Rehabilitation article
Preparing your home and support network before surgery
Small practical decisions can make the first days at home calmer and safer.
Published: 7/12/2026
Author: Habilis editorial team
Map the first days
Ask where you are likely to sleep, wash, eat and practise walking, then compare that with the instructions for your procedure.
Reduce avoidable obstacles
Clear loose rugs and clutter, improve lighting and place regularly used items within easy reach without making unapproved equipment changes.
Agree who can help
Discuss transport, meals, medicines, pets and check-ins. Make the plan specific enough that everyone knows what they have agreed to do.
Prepare contact routes
Keep discharge numbers, pharmacy details and urgent-care instructions visible. Know who to call during and outside normal hours.
Practical takeaways
- Walk through the home before admission.
- Write down helpers and responsibilities.
- Keep discharge information accessible.
Related programmes
Scientific backing
Guideline
2020
Joint replacement: care before, during and after surgery
NICE recommends clear information, preoperative rehabilitation advice and rehabilitation support around planned hip and knee replacement.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
Guideline
2020
Enhanced recovery recommendations for hip and knee replacement
The consensus supports preoperative education, multimodal perioperative care and early mobilization within coordinated pathways.
Wainwright TW et al.
Review
2025
Preoperative education and anxiety before hip or knee arthroplasty
The review reported small improvements in anxiety, knowledge and pain, while calling for better-described and more reproducible interventions.
Systematic review authors