Quick answer
What should you buy before knee replacement surgery?
Before knee replacement surgery, many people prepare a shower chair, bathroom safety equipment, a prescribed mobility aid, nonslip footwear, a reacher, a cold-therapy option approved by the care team, loose clothing, medication organization, and a firm recovery chair. Ask the hospital what it provides before buying equipment.
When my mom came from rural Maine to Austin for knee replacement surgery, the shopping list felt surprisingly complicated. Some items addressed safety, some made caregiving easier, and some were conveniences rather than necessities. The most useful rule was simple: prepare the home first, then buy only what matched her surgeon’s and physical therapist’s instructions.
This list brings together common preparation ideas. For the specific products from our experience, visit what my mom and I used during recovery.
What are the most important items to have after knee replacement?
The highest-priority items usually support safe bathing, safe walking, easy access to everyday necessities, and the recovery instructions provided by the surgical team. Not everyone needs the same equipment. Confirm the mobility aid, bathroom equipment, cold-therapy method, and wound-care supplies with the hospital before purchasing them.
| Item | Why it may help | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Shower chair | Provides a seated option for bathing once the surgeon allows showering. | High |
| Grab bars or toilet safety frame | Offers stable hand support in the bathroom. | High |
| Raised toilet seat | May make sitting and standing easier for some patients. | Ask first |
| Walker, cane, or crutches | Supports mobility when prescribed and correctly fitted. | Ask first |
| Nonslip, supportive shoes | Helps provide traction and a secure fit while walking. | High |
| Reacher | Retrieves lightweight objects without bending toward the floor. | Useful |
| Cold-therapy option | Supports the icing plan specified by the care team. | Ask first |
| Firm chair with arms | Can make controlled sitting and standing easier. | High |
Sources: AAOS: Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery · AAOS: Total Knee Replacement · MedlinePlus: Getting Your Home Ready — Knee or Hip Surgery · MedlinePlus: Knee Joint Replacement — Discharge
Bathroom safety: 5 items to consider
Bathrooms combine water, hard surfaces, and limited space, making them an important area to prepare. MedlinePlus and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons list bathroom supports such as grab bars, shower seating, and elevated toilet options among common home modifications after joint replacement.
Shower chair
Choose a stable model that fits the tub or shower and meets the manufacturer’s weight limit. See the shower chair we used
Securely installed grab bars
A towel bar is not designed to support body weight. Use properly installed safety bars or another option approved for the space.
Nonslip bath mat or shower surface
Confirm that it lies flat and does not create a new edge or trip hazard.
Toilet safety frame
Rails can provide hand support without permanently changing the toilet. Check fit and stability with the care team.
Raised toilet seat
This may help some patients, but height, stability, and surgical instructions matter. Ask the occupational therapist or care team what is appropriate. See our toilet seat riser
Sources: AAOS: Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery · MedlinePlus: Getting Your Home Ready — Knee or Hip Surgery
Mobility and dressing: 7 useful tools
Use only the mobility aid recommended and fitted by the care team. The convenience accessories below can make it easier to follow those instructions without carrying loose objects. Confirm that accessories fit securely and do not affect the walker’s balance.
Walker basket or pouch
Keeps a phone, glasses, and other lightweight items within reach.
Walker cup holder
Allows hands to remain available for the walker. Use a secure, covered container and keep the load light.
Reacher or grabber tool
Helps retrieve lightweight items and assist with dressing.
Long-handled shoehorn
Reduces the need to reach toward the foot.
Sock aid
May simplify putting on socks when bending is difficult.
Leg-lifter strap
Some patients find this helpful when moving the operated leg, but ask the physical therapist to demonstrate safe use. See the leg lifter we used
Small crossbody pouch
Keeps a phone and essentials close without occupying the hands.
Sources: AAOS: Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery · MedlinePlus: Getting Your Home Ready — Knee or Hip Surgery · MedlinePlus: Knee Joint Replacement — Discharge
Cold therapy and comfort: 5 items
Cold therapy is commonly included in discharge instructions, but the method and timing should come from the surgical team. Protect the skin and follow individualized medical instructions when using any cooling product.
Reusable knee ice packs
Keep more than one available so a cold pack is ready when needed.
Cold-therapy machine
This may be convenient when the surgeon approves it; compare rental and purchase options first. See the cold-therapy machine we used
Thin cloth barrier
Use the barrier and timing recommended by the care team to protect the skin.
Elevation support
Ask exactly how the leg should be positioned; do not keep the knee bent over a pillow unless instructed.
Firm recovery chair with arms
Avoid seating that is very low, unstable, or difficult to rise from.
Sources: AAOS: Total Knee Replacement · MedlinePlus: Knee Joint Replacement — Discharge
Organization and daily living: 5 items
Keep everyday supplies easy to reach and walking routes clear. A few simple organization tools can make the recovery routine easier to follow.
Medication organizer
Use only if it fits the medication plan and a pharmacist or caregiver has verified how it will be filled.
Medication and symptom log
Record doses exactly as directed, plus questions for the care team. A notebook can work well.
Long charging cable
Keeps the phone reachable without stretching or getting up unnecessarily. Route the cable away from walking paths.
Bedside or chair-side organizer
Creates a home for glasses, tissues, the remote, and written instructions.
Reusable water bottle
Choose one that is easy to open, carry, and clean.
Sources: AAOS: Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery · MedlinePlus: Getting Your Home Ready — Knee or Hip Surgery
Recovery-friendly clothing: 3 items
Loose shorts or wide-leg pants
Select clothing that is easy to put on and allows access to the surgical area when required.
Easy-on supportive shoes
Choose a secure heel and nonslip sole rather than loose backless slippers.
Lightweight robe or layer
A simple layer can be convenient for walking around the home. Choose a length that will not drag or catch on equipment.
Sources: AAOS: Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery · MedlinePlus: Knee Joint Replacement — Discharge
What should you avoid buying too early?
Do not assume every highly rated recovery product is appropriate. Wait for guidance before buying a walker, cane, compression device, wound-care supply, exercise equipment, or expensive cold-therapy machine. Ask what the hospital provides, what insurance covers, and whether equipment should be rented rather than purchased.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a shower chair after knee replacement?
Many people find seated bathing useful early in recovery, but shower timing and equipment depend on the home and discharge instructions. Confirm when showering is allowed and which setup is safe.
Should I buy a walker before knee replacement surgery?
Ask the surgical team first. They may provide or prescribe a walker and ensure it is the correct type and height. An incorrectly fitted aid can be unsafe.
Is a cold-therapy machine necessary?
Not always. Reusable ice packs may meet the surgeon’s plan. A machine can be convenient, but approval, cost, skin protection, and correct use should be considered.
What kind of chair is best after knee replacement?
AAOS recommends a stable recovery chair with a firm back, two arms, and a firm seat. The best height and position depend on the patient and therapist’s guidance.
What should I keep at a knee recovery station?
Keep the phone, charger, water, tissues, glasses, written instructions, medication log, remote, and other frequently used items within easy reach. Store medications safely.
Sources: AAOS: Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery · AAOS: Total Knee Replacement · MedlinePlus: Getting Your Home Ready — Knee or Hip Surgery · MedlinePlus: Knee Joint Replacement — Discharge
Next steps
Put your preparation into practice.
Sources and medical references
- AAOS: Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery
- AAOS: Total Knee Replacement
- MedlinePlus: Getting Your Home Ready — Knee or Hip Surgery
- MedlinePlus: Knee Joint Replacement — Discharge
This article provides general educational information and shares practical caregiver experience. It is not medical advice and does not replace instructions from a surgeon, physical therapist, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare professional.