The American Joint Replacement Registry reports that there were 2.4 million hip or knee replacements between 2012 and 2020. These surgeries have increased by 18% in that time. If your mom is told she needs hip surgery, it’s not unusual. But it does mean she needs some help and furniture that will make it easier for her to stand up.
She has a limited budget. What furniture changes are most important when she comes home from the hospital?
It Needs to Support Her Without Being Uncomfortable
The furniture your mom uses needs to be firm, without being uncomfortable. If the cushions are so soft that she sinks in, it will be hard for her to get back up. A high-back chair with sturdy arms is ideal. A footrest that helps her elevate her feet is also beneficial.
Her mattress in bed needs to be comfortable. A memory foam mattress can be a good option, as it is supportive, but soft enough to cushion her hips if she’s laying on her side. Try to have her bed high enough that her hips are level with or slightly above her knees when she sits up. If her knees are higher, it will take more effort to stand up.
If it’s time for new furniture, take her shopping and have her sit down and stand up from several designs to find the right one. She wants to feel confident when standing up or sitting down.
Carefully Arrange Furniture for Logical Placement
No matter what pieces of furniture are in your mom’s frequently used rooms, ensure the placement avoids trip hazards. She shouldn’t have to dodge footrests, tables, or floor lamps when walking to another room.
Leave open paths that support her use of a walker or cane if she needs one. Leave wide paths from her favorite chair or sofa to the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.
Make Sure Lighting Illuminates Every Corner
Lighting should illuminate the room. You certainly don’t want your mom to walk to the bathroom and stub her toe on a table leg that she couldn’t see in the shadows. Add wall sconces if needed to illuminate every corner.
Less Is More
Your mom may love having a lot of furniture, but it gets crowded and cluttered. Less is definitely more. She needs seating and a table to set down her drink, but she doesn’t need a coffee table and end tables if space is tight.
A pillow for back support is great, but she doesn’t need so many that the extras have to be set on the floor when people are sitting. Try to minimize what is taking up space.
Who is there to help your mom with tasks that are too difficult? You want her to remain independent, but that doesn’t mean she needs to be unsafe.
Hire in-home care aides to help with some of the harder daily activities, and let your mom do the rest. Plus, she has the companionship of her in-home care aide throughout the week, preventing loneliness and isolation.
Aviva In-Home Care provides compassionate and skilled in-home care. We are the Bay Area’s premier provider of in-home care services.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Home Care in Belmont, CA, call the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care. Call today: (415) 795-2203
Sources:
- 5 Things Seniors Need To Age In Place Comfortably - April 23, 2024
- Six Tips for Exceptional Senior Fall Risk Management - April 17, 2024
- Tips for Assisting Seniors With Telemedicine Visits After a Hospital Stay - April 10, 2024
