Chairs suitable for post op hip replacement

Racheldevon

Hi there,
My mum has severe osteo-arthritis, and has to have an urgent hip replacement (having been ignored for the last 4 years it's now not surprisingly complicated matters). As a result she has to have a bone graft, and the physio has said the sofa is not suitable and to get an individual chair. My understanding is that an OT will visit etc to advise on measurements etc, but I wanted to start finding out prices etc and doing some research. Can anyone recommend websites for chairs, ideally ones that don't look like they belong in a nursing home, as it might well be the final straw!
Thanks
Rachel

nogginthenog

Hslchairs.com who advertise on the back of most weekend newspaper supplements make comfort chairs.

The only trouble with chairs beds and furniture is you have to try them for yourslf. With hip replacements is the higher off the ground the better,so to make it easier to stand up

Firm chairs are best for hip replacements and you will find that OT will loan you a frame to raise the hight of the chair.If A chair is too low,
Which will be the main concern. due to the risk of hip dislocation.

OT will also give you a frame to raise the hight of your loo.

Racheldevon

Thanks for the link, we'll check out it.

I'll check with the OT re the exact measurements etc needed, we know from our physio that it won't be possibly to raise the sofa as it's unsuitable for post op for a number of reasons, so one way or another we'll be finding a chair!

soolin

My mother bought an old fashioned sit up straight winged chair from a normal retailer as it is higher than normal furniture and doesn't have as much 'sink'. The sturdy side arm rests mean she can help push her self up from the chair.

At one point she had no hip at all due to a major infection where they took out the replacement and did not put a new one back for 3 months. She now has had both hips replaced at least twice and a shoulder replacement as well.

Racheldevon

Thanks for the info, our sofa is very low, soft and deep so not ideal at all.

My mum is also waiting for other joint replacement incl. shoulder, though the hip is now taking priority

soolin

Racheldevon wrote: »

Thanks for the info, our sofa is very low, soft and deep so not ideal at all.

My mum is also waiting for other joint replacement incl. shoulder, though the hip is now taking priority

On the rare occasions my mother visits my house we have to give her a dining chair to sit on as even our sofas, which are fairly high and not particularly soft, are far too low for her. She tends to sink back and can't maneuver herself out again.

She does have a small 2 seater sofa in her house for visitors, but always sits in her own chair.

Racheldevon

I thought it might be the case that she may need her own chair longer term. She has got dining room chairs, but these although not too low, have a high back, and are leather but fairly soft so may not be any good either

Savvy_Sue

I know one friend found a garden chair with arms was pretty good post-hip-replacement-op: not one of the folding ones, but the plain white or green stacking ones. Worth trying?

Also my neighbour has a couple of brilliant yellow chairs with arms in her kitchen which work for her. Wooden frame, add your own cushion.

emmell

My MIL bought a Shackletons chair and loved it so much she's got rid of her sofa and bought a two seater to match the chair......they do different heights too.
ML.

Racheldevon

Thanks again for the helpful suggestions

geordielass

Hi Rachel. The OT will measure your mam whilst in a seat from the floor to her knees to get her 'safe' seating position post op ensuring she doesn't break the 90 degree rule post op. Your Local Authority should provide your Mam with a suitable chair of the required height for up to twelve weeks or so which is the length if time hip replacement patients usually have to follow restrictions.( these chairs are quite an eyesore and not too comfortable but it's amazing how quickly you get used to sitting in it). If you have a standard armchair a foam cushion can also be provided to bring the seat up to the safe height for restrictions. If purchasing a chair yourself for your Mam perhaps you could use these guidelines once the OT has confirmed the correct measurements, to measure the new chair yourself. They should also provide a raised toilet seat to the required height and a 'grabber' ( for picking things up off the floor and putting on underwear, trousers) which is very useful in aiding patients to be less dependant on others. These can be bought quite cheaply about £7 if not supplied. It all depends on which area you live in as to what aids you will be offered. Hope all goes well for your Mam.