I remember when my dad came home after a knee replacement—it was a learning curve for both of us. What helped a lot was simplifying the home environment. We removed small rugs, moved everyday items to waist level, and added night lights in hallways and the bathroom. That way, even if he was a bit groggy from meds, there was less risk of tripping or getting hurt. We also prepped easy-to-reheat meals and snacks that didn’t require standing in the kitchen. It made a big difference because the first few days, even standing for ten minutes was exhausting for him. Surprisingly, setting up a daily log of meds, meals, and any symptoms turned out to be super useful. It helped us catch small issues early and track what was working. I’d say don’t hesitate to ask someone to drop by for 15 minutes or bring something over. It’s not about dependency—it’s just smart planning. Recovery at home can be very manageable if you anticipate your needs a bit ahead of time.
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