Hip replacement surgery can help relieve pain and improve mobility for people with severe hip problems. But the surgery itself is only one part of the journey.
For many patients, the next important step is recovering safely and comfortably at home.
After hip replacement surgery, everyday activities that once seemed simple—such as getting out of bed, walking to the bathroom, getting dressed, or sitting down—may temporarily require more planning and assistance.
Understanding what to expect during recovery can help patients, family members, and caregivers prepare the home and make daily routines easier.
In this guide, we'll discuss what hip replacement recovery at home may look like, common challenges during recovery, ways to prepare your home, and how products such as the StarSleep Arlo Rotating Care Bed and StarSleep Motion Bed-Side Table can support a more accessible home environment.
Important: Recovery varies from person to person. Always follow the instructions and activity recommendations provided by your surgeon and physical therapist.
Hip Replacement Recovery at Home: What to Expect
Everyone's recovery timeline is different, but there are several common stages and challenges.
The First Few Days
The first several days at home can be the most challenging.
You may experience:
- Soreness around the surgical area
- Fatigue
- Difficulty changing positions
- Limited mobility
- Difficulty getting in and out of bed
- Increased dependence on a caregiver
Simple movements may require more time and planning than before surgery.
Having frequently used items within reach and keeping walking paths clear can make your home easier to navigate.
The First Few Weeks
As recovery progresses, many people gradually become more comfortable moving around.
Depending on your individual recovery plan, you may begin doing more activities independently.
Physical therapy may also play an important role in rebuilding strength and improving mobility.
However, you may still experience challenges with:
- Standing for long periods
- Walking long distances
- Getting into or out of chairs
- Getting in and out of bed
- Using stairs
- Completing household tasks
It's important not to rush the process. Your surgeon or physical therapist can provide guidance about when specific activities are appropriate.
Why Getting Out of Bed Can Be Challenging After Hip Replacement
Getting out of bed is one of the first movements many people need to perform each morning.
However, after hip replacement surgery, moving from a lying position to sitting and then standing can require careful positioning and controlled movement.
Depending on your surgeon's instructions, you may need to follow specific precautions regarding how you bend, twist, or position your hip.
This is one reason why bed height, room layout, and the way you transfer from the bed can become important considerations during recovery.
6 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Hip Replacement Recovery
A few simple changes can make your home more convenient during recovery.
1. Clear Walking Paths
Remove unnecessary furniture, loose rugs, boxes, and cords from frequently used pathways.
Pay particular attention to the route between:
Bedroom → Bathroom → Living Area
A clear pathway can make it easier to move around with a walker, cane, or other mobility aid if one is recommended.
2. Keep Everyday Items Within Reach
You may want to keep commonly used items close to where you spend most of your time.
These could include:
- Phone
- Water bottle
- Glasses
- Books
- Remote control
- Personal care items
- Other frequently used belongings
Reducing unnecessary trips around the house can make daily routines more manageable while you're recovering.
3. Make the Bathroom Easier to Access
The bathroom is another important area to consider.
Depending on your needs and your healthcare team's recommendations, you may consider appropriate bathroom safety equipment and make sure the route from the bedroom to the bathroom is clear.
A caregiver may also need enough space to assist with transfers when necessary.
4. Prepare a Comfortable Bedroom
Your bedroom can become an important recovery space during the first few weeks.
Consider:
- Keeping the bed at a practical height
- Making sure there is enough space around the bed
- Keeping a phone and water nearby
- Improving nighttime lighting
- Removing obstacles from the floor
A comfortable and organized bedroom can make morning and nighttime routines easier to manage.
5. Plan for Assistance
Don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
Family members or caregivers may be able to assist with:
- Meal preparation
- Transportation
- Household chores
- Shopping
- Getting dressed
- Moving around the home
As your mobility improves, you may gradually be able to take on more activities yourself.
6. Follow Your Recovery Plan
Perhaps the most important part of recovery is following the instructions provided by your healthcare team.
Your surgeon and physical therapist can tell you when and how to safely increase your activity.
Avoid comparing your recovery timeline with someone else's. Every recovery is different.
How the StarSleep Arlo Rotating Care Bed Can Support Recovery at Home
For some people recovering from hip replacement surgery, getting in and out of bed can be one of the more challenging daily movements.
The StarSleep Arlo Rotating Care Bed is designed to provide additional support during bed transfers for seniors and people with limited mobility.
With its one-touch 90° rotation, the Arlo Rotating Care Bed moves the mattress toward the side of the bed, helping bring the user into a more accessible position for sitting and getting up.
This can be particularly useful for people who may temporarily have difficulty with traditional bed transfers.
Designed for Home Care
The Arlo Rotating Care Bed is designed for use in a residential environment, making it an option for families looking for mobility support at home.
It features:
- One-touch 90° rotation
- A higher 450 lb weight capacity
- An upgraded motor
- Adjustable positioning
- A design intended to support easier bed transfers
$247 Value — Free Comfort Bundle Included
🎁 Waterproof Mattress Cover
🎁 Bedding Sheet Set
🎁 Premium Memory Foam Pillow
If you're recovering from surgery, always follow your surgeon or physical therapist's instructions regarding movement, positioning, and weight-bearing.
Create a More Convenient Bedside Setup
The area around the bed can make a surprising difference during recovery.
The StarSleep Motion Bed-Side Table can be used alongside a home care bed to keep frequently used items within easy reach.
You can use the bedside table to organize items such as:
- Water
- Books
- A phone or tablet
- Glasses
- Personal belongings
- Meals or snacks
Keeping essentials close to the bed can reduce unnecessary movement and make the recovery environment more convenient.
For someone temporarily dealing with limited mobility, these small changes can make everyday routines feel much easier.
Recovery Is a Process—Give Yourself Time
Hip replacement can be an important step toward improving mobility, but recovery doesn't happen overnight.
The first days and weeks may involve more assistance than you're used to. With time, appropriate physical therapy, and guidance from your healthcare team, many people gradually return to more of their normal daily activities.
Preparing your home in advance can help make that process easier.
A clear walking path, an organized bedside area, appropriate bathroom equipment, and mobility-support products can all contribute to a more convenient recovery environment.
Most importantly, listen to your body and follow your healthcare team's recommendations.