I am wondering whether I will be able to vacuum with a self propelled upright vacuum after I get home from hip surgery? How about using a long handled brush and long handled dustpan to sweep up little stuff from the wooden floors and carpets?
I already know that "twisting" is out - that I have to take little tiny steps to turn and face whatever, head on. I know that I must not reach far across the kitchen counter or bend down to low cupboard drawers or to the floor, heaven forbid!
What other household tasks are forbidden for fear of dislocating the new hip? I have washer and dryer in my apartment and an elevator so don't have to use stairs.
Thank you so much for thinking about this and telling me what is forbidden. Everything is a "go" for December 12.
I hired a cleaning service to come weekly for 2 months following each of my hip surgeries. They did 2 bathrooms, kitchen, floors & carpets on first floor, and dusting. They also changed sheets on the bed and put them in washer. My husband did things like taking out the trash, making the bed, evening meal prep, and helping me personally when I needed it. Yes, I can identify with the difficulty you mention with twisting and turning your body around. The good news - it's a temporary condition that resolves with PT and time. Anyhow, I was glad I had the housework hired as I wouldn't have been able to do it myself and I didn't want my husband pushing a vacuum or doing housework - I needed him for other things. Actually it was about 3 months before I tackled vacuuming with a self-propelled machine. I recommend that you do not attempt to vacuum for at least 2 months or more. The long-handled broom and dustpan are a good choice - useful for when you must gather up something from the floor that you dropped. I still use mine years later.
My washer/dryer was on the same floor as the bedroom so I was able to do laundry right away. I used a wheeled cart to schlep loads back and forth and my reacher to pluck items from the dryer.
Get somebody else to change the sheets on your bed and clean bathrooms & floors, etc. as these tasks may require too much bending and stooping. Besides, you will be fresh from the hospital and not in the mood for these kinds of things. Move frequently needed items to counter height or above in kitchen, bath, and bedroom - this includes clothing - and enlist someone to run errands as needed while you can't drive and you'll do just fine. And, remember, that everything you do for a few weeks will take 3 times longer than usual and that is normal.
Thanks for your great suggestions. I already have used the long handled dustpan and broom to pick things up - this was before I bought the reacher. I have to admit I was sort of reluctant to use the dustpan for this but I cleaned it off well with a wipe. I find it particularly helpful, still, in picking up that monstrous Sunday paper. I use the reacher for the daily one and even that would be better with the dust pan. Am amused that you suggested this because I was afraid someone would find out and be very disgusted.
I am particularly glad to hear about not using the vacuum for some time. Do you think using a Swiffer on the wooden and stone floors OK? I think I have to be careful not to twist.
I am recently widowed, so keeping the apartment uncluttered is not quite so important with just me and kitty. But I know it is important for hygiene. We have a trash chute on every floor so that solves that problem.
My grand daughter lives in the same building so I plan on calling on her to do some things. She has a full time job, though.
Well, this is an interesting thread, and I am glad I found it. I am still a few weeks pre surgery, but I am getting ready. I plan to take off the whole week before, and get the house good and cleaned. My husband has been helping me out, but I still want to give it my own touch before I am laid up.
My husband has been good in finding things that will help me. He plans to take over most of the housework, but I want to be able to get back into it. He has gotten me a long handle dustpan, and a light weight broom and mop.
My house is all one floor..including laundry, so that is not a problem. I figure if he can bring the laundry to the laundry room for me, I will be fine.
I have a couple of reachers, and he has put some grab bars in place for me.
I plan to lok here for more information, though.
Housework after hip surgery? 
Linear Mode
