UW Health Physical and Occupational Therapy - Purchase Equipment HF#6963



 

After your hip replacement, there are special precautions you will need to follow in order to protect your hip.  Lifetime hip precautions may be needed to prevent hip dislocation, or popping the ball out of the socket.  In most cases you should follow these rules:

 

• Do not cross the hip replacement leg across the other leg.
• Do not bend the artificial hip more than 90 degrees. Your knee should stay below your belt.
• Do not let your hip turn inward or pigeon-toed.

 

This means that you will not be able to reach down to apply your pants, socks and shoes. You will also not be able to bend over to pick up objects from the floor. In order for you to do these tasks without help from someone else, we advise that you purchase the adaptive equipment before your surgery. Use of this equipment is also described below.

 

Reacher:  A reacher is used to retrieve objects from the floor, high shelves or to reach items nearby while you are sitting in a chair. It can also be used for pulling on pants.

 

 

 

Dressing stick: A dressing stick is used to apply pants, skirts or other lower extremity clothing without having to bend over to get them over your feet. It can also be used to remove socks.

 

 

 

 

 

Sock Aid: A sock aid is used to apply socks or stockings without having to bend over or cross your legs.

 

 

 

 

Long Handle Shoe Horn: A long handle shoe horn is used to slip on your shoes without having to bend over or cross your legs. If you wear tied shoes you may want to buy elastic shoelaces so your shoes can remain tied at all times and still allow you to slip them onto your feet.

 

 

 

 

Long Handle BathSponge: A long handle bath sponge is used to wash your legs and feet so you do not have to bend forward at your hips.

 

 

 

 

If you can, we would like you to obtain the above pieces of equipment before your surgery so you will have them when you arrive at home.  Please do not bring the equipment to the hospital.  We will have equipment for you to use during your hospital stay. A therapist will review the use of this equipment with you after your surgery and before discharge. If you do not obtain the equipment before surgery, we can provide it to you. But you may be able to purchase the equipment at lower cost if you obtain it on your own.

 

Here is a list of places where you can purchase this equipment. Prices may vary. Some vendors may also sell these items in a kit. Your insurance may not cover payment for this equipment, and you should contact your insurance carrier to find out. Having this equipment is crucial in order to avoid future problems, such as damage to your new joint.

 

UW Health Home Health Services

2030 Pinehurst Drive

Middleton, Wi 53562

(608) 203-2273

Hours 8-4:30 Monday through Friday

Map and driving directions available on our website: http://www.uwhealth.org
 

 

Meriter Home Health Retail Store

2180 W. Beltline Highway

Madison, Wi 53713

(608) 417-3770 or 1-800-236-1052

8-6 Monday through Friday

9-3 Saturday

Located between Fish Hatchery and Todd Drive exits

Map and driving directions available on their website: http://meriter.com/family/health/store.htm

By special order:

 

Walmart: http://www.walmart.com/browse/Personal-Care/Health-Care-Products/Bathroom-Safety/_/...

 

North Coast Medical: http://www.ncmedical.com

 

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 11/30/2009

Copyright © 10/29/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6963

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