Bottom Line shares how to prepare for joint replacement surgery according to May Li, MS, OTR/L, occupational therapist at HSS. 

Li suggests placing items you regularly use at roughly waist level so there won’t be any need for climbing on a step stool, bending over or straining. In the bedroom, move clothes up from a low drawer to a more accessible one and shoes up from the floor. In the bathroom, rearrange items around the sink and in the shower. In the kitchen, transfer essentials from high and low cabinets to the counter. In the fridge, bring the foods you eat most often to the front of middle shelves.

Li also recommended walking from room to room, and getting rid of clutter, cables and wires, throw rugs and any objects that may cause you to trip. Pay attention to hallways and around doorways since you may need a walker temporarily. Consider moving furniture out of the way. Measure the width of doorways (don’t forget the door into your home) so that equipment you need for your recovery will fit through them. Consider adding motion-sensor lights in hallways.

Read the full article at bottomlineinc.com.