Preparing for surgery recovery is an exhausting process. From planning time off from work to scheduling follow-up appointments and more, often the last thing on your mind is finding temporary accessibility products to support your healing. Depending on the type of surgery you need, you may face various physical limitations and mobility needs.
Before you stress about the best accessibility solution, the team of experts at Next Day Access, a trusted mobility equipment supplier, has detailed everything you need to know. Keep reading for valuable information about temporary mobility and accessibility aids for your post-surgery recovery.
Mobility Aids
Mobility aids are designed to help you move around more easily as you recover from surgery. They assist with walking, standing, or traveling from one place to another, focusing on the physical transportation of the body. Learn more about various mobility aids on the market below, then be sure to discuss the safest options for your unique recovery with a physician or physical therapist before making any purchases.
Wheelchairs
A wheelchair is a smart solution for surgery recovery for patients looking to minimize strain on the body – especially after procedures involving the legs, hips, back, or feet. For those with limited energy, using a wheelchair can help prevent falls, reduce fatigue, and avoid any setbacks during the healing process. It’s especially helpful if walking aids like crutches, walkers, or scooters feel too demanding or unsafe.
However, it’s important to consider the home environment. If your living space is too tight or has narrow doorways, a standard wheelchair might not be the best fit. In those cases, more compact mobility aids or even minor home modifications might be needed to ensure both comfort and safe accessibility during recovery.
Scooters
A mobility scooter can be an excellent option for surgery recovery. This option is ideal for individuals who have enough upper body strength and balance to sit upright, but still need help moving around. Mobility scooters are perfect for patients who tire easily or are recovering from procedures that make walking painful or unsafe.
They’re also especially helpful for maintaining independence outside the home, like running errands, getting back to work, or attending follow-up appointments. Please note that, much like wheelchairs, mobility scooters may require extra space in the home for movement and storage.
Bathroom Accessibility
Keeping your bathroom safe and accessible after surgery should be a top priority. For aging adults, about 80% of falls in the home occur in the bathroom. To avoid any lapse or danger in your recovery, have the appropriate bathroom accessibility products ready to go when you return home.
Grab Bars
Grab bars provide necessary stability during surgery recovery, especially when using the toilet, getting in and out of the shower, or standing at the sink. After surgery, even simple movements can feel unsteady or painful. This is where grab bars come in handy, helping reduce the risk of slips and falls in one of the most accident-prone areas of the home.
Portable Showers
Proper hygiene is essential during surgery recovery, both for wound care and comfort. However, some patients may not be able to safely get in and out of their home shower. Designed for easy setup without permanent installation, portable showers are a great accessibility solution as they can be placed in various locations within the home, provided there’s access to a standard sink faucet.
They feature non-slip floors and secure handrails, enhancing safety for patients in recovery. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those with limited mobility or those who rely on wheelchairs, as it eliminates the need to navigate tight, hazardous bathroom spaces. Additionally, the compact design of portable showers allows for convenient storage when not in use, making them a practical choice for temporary recovery needs.
Home Accessibility
Aside from keeping the bathroom safe, patients recovering from surgery might need other accessibility products to get in and out of their homes. Ensuring you have a secure entrance and exit, whether with a temporary wheelchair ramp or stairlift rental, will promote both independence and a sound recovery. Below are a few options to consider when preparing for surgery!
Temporary Wheelchair Ramps
For patients who will utilize a wheelchair while in recovery, temporary wheelchair ramps provide safe access to the home without the investment of permanent solutions. Temporary wheelchair ramps are designed to provide safe and independent access to entryways, garages, and other areas throughout the house. These handicap ramps are ADA-compliant and can be installed quickly, often within a few hours, minimizing disruption to daily activities. Their modular design fits in various home layouts, ensuring a secure and reliable mobility solution during the recovery period.
Stairlift & Temporary Wheelchair Ramp Rentals
When looking into temporary accessibility products, planning to rent rather than purchase might be the best option for you. Companies such as Next Day Access offer wheelchair ramp rentals, stairlift rentals, vehicle lifts, and more. Whether it’s for a week, a month, or an undetermined period of time, you can trust that your rental equipment is safe, secure, and ADA-compliant. Whatever your situation is, we can help you navigate the best mobility solution.
How to Choose the Right Accessibility Solution
When choosing the right accessibility solutions for surgery recovery, it’s important to consider the type of surgery you’ve had and how it impacts your mobility and daily routine. Start by consulting with your healthcare provider or physical therapist. They can recommend specific tools that will best support your unique recovery.
Additionally, think about what will be most comfortable and practical in your home environment, whether it’s mobility solutions, a bathroom safety product, or a temporary wheelchair ramp. The best accessibility solution is one that not only helps you heal safely but also fits seamlessly into your lifestyle, promoting independence throughout your recovery process.
Schedule a Free On-Site Consultation Today!
Are you interested in learning more about which temporary accessibility solutions will work in your home? Schedule a free on-site consultation with Next Day Access, a mobility equipment supplier that has been trusted in the industry for decades. Whether you’re looking for a wheelchair ramp for rent, mobility solutions, or bathroom accessibility products, our local teams of experts are ready to address your needs!
