Bathroom Setup After Surgery
Part of our Bathroom Safety guides.
Set up the bathroom before surgery day. Follow the specific precautions from your surgeon or physical/occupational therapist; this page explains the common equipment.
Toilet
A height-adjustable raised seat or a 4-in-1 commode that works as a raised seat with arms.
Shower or tub
For a tub, a sliding transfer bench avoids stepping over the wall. For a stall, a swivel shower chair. A handheld shower lets you wash seated.
Handholds
Grab bars anchored into studs, or a tension pole where there are no studs.
Night
A bedside commode avoids risky night-time walks during the first weeks.
Practice before surgery
If you can, set up the equipment and practice transfers before the operation: sitting on the raised seat, using the transfer bench and reaching the handheld shower. It's far easier to adjust heights when you're still mobile.
Hip precautions and seat height
After hip replacement, many patients are told not to bend the hip past a certain angle for several weeks. A raised toilet seat and chair heights matter for this. Follow your surgeon's or therapist's specific instructions, which override general advice.
Helpful extras
- A long-handled sponge and reacher.
- A handheld shower with a long hose.
- Non-slip bath mat inside and outside the tub.
- A night light from bed to bathroom.
- A small table or shelf within reach so you don't bend for toiletries.
Bathroom layout tweaks
Remove loose rugs, clear the path for a walker, and move everyday items to waist height. If the bathroom is upstairs, a bedside commode can avoid stairs during the first weeks.
Frequently asked questions
When should I buy recovery equipment?
A week or two before surgery, so you can set it up and practice transfers.
Does insurance cover a commode?
Medicare and some insurers cover certain durable medical equipment with a prescription; ask your care team.
How high should the toilet seat be after hip surgery?
Follow your surgeon's guidance; many recommend keeping hips above knees when sitting.
Can I shower after surgery?
Follow your surgeon's instructions about incision care and when showering is allowed.
Is a commode necessary?
It helps during early recovery, especially for nighttime needs or if the bathroom is far.
Who can help set up the bathroom?
Occupational therapists can recommend equipment and placement.