Hip Replacement Aids: What You Need at Home

By Scott Smith. Last reviewed 22 October 2026.

Why Are Aids Needed After a Hip Replacement?

After a hip replacement the leg is sore and weak for a while, and some hospitals ask patients to avoid bending the hip deeply, crossing the legs or twisting for several weeks. Everyday jobs such as putting on socks, picking things up from the floor and getting off a low toilet all involve those movements. Aids let you do them safely and keep your independence. Advice differs between hospitals, so always follow what your own surgeon, physiotherapist or occupational therapist tells you.

What Is in a Hip Kit?

A hip kit is a bundle of small aids. The contents vary, but most include several of the items below, and the hospital occupational therapist may supply some of them before you go home.

Do You Need a Raised Toilet Seat?

A raised toilet seat lifts the height of the toilet so you do not have to sit down so low. It is one of the most commonly supplied aids after hip surgery, often with a toilet frame or grab rail to push up from. Choose a height that keeps your hip above your knee when seated, and make sure the seat fits your pan securely. The hospital team may assess this before discharge.

How Does a Reacher Grabber Help?

A reacher grabber is a long handled tool with jaws at the end. You squeeze the handle to pick up post, clothes, the TV remote or anything dropped on the floor, without bending. Choose a light one with a comfortable trigger, and a magnetic tip is handy for keys and cutlery. Many people keep one in each main room.

Is a Sock Aid Worth Having?

Yes, for most people. A sock aid lets you put socks or stockings on while sitting upright. You slide the sock over the aid, drop it to the floor, put your foot in and pull on the cords. It takes a little practice, so try it before the operation if you can. If you have been given compression stockings, a firmer aid or a stocking frame works better.

Getting in and Out of Bed and the Car

A leg lifter strap lets you lift the operated leg into bed or across into a car using your arms. A firm, high bed helps, and some people use bed raisers for a while. In the car, push the seat right back, sit down first with your legs outside, then swing them in together. A swivel cushion or carrier bag on the seat can make turning easier, and our guide to car transfer devices covers other options.

Do You Need a Special Chair?

You do not usually need to buy a new chair, but a firm chair with arms at the right height makes standing up much easier. Low sofas and soft armchairs are hard to get out of after surgery. Chair raisers or a firm cushion can lift an existing chair, and some hospitals lend a high chair. Measure the seat height before your operation and ask the occupational therapist what height suits you. A perching stool can help in the kitchen while you prepare food or wash up.

Washing Safely

Stepping into a bath is usually off limits for a while, so many people wash at the sink or use a shower with a stool or chair. A long handled sponge helps you reach your legs and feet. If you only have a shower over the bath, a bath board or transfer bench can help, and our bathroom aids guide covers these.

Preparing Your Home

1. Move everyday items to between waist and shoulder height.
2. Clear rugs, wires and clutter from walkways.
3. Set up a firm chair with arms where you will spend most time.
4. Check the height of your bed, chair and toilet.
5. Have your aids delivered and practise with them before surgery.

The same aids help after a knee replacement too, especially the leg lifter, grabber and raised toilet seat. Our transfer aids guide and daily living aids page list more.

The kits and aids below were in stock when we checked each listing. Check what your hospital will supply before buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Hospital Give Me Hip Replacement Aids?

Many hospitals supply some aids, such as a raised toilet seat, grabber or sock aid, after an occupational therapist assessment. Ask at your pre operation appointment.

How Long Will I Need the Aids?

Most people use them for several weeks, but it varies with age, fitness and the advice of your team. Some keep using a grabber or long shoe horn for good because they find them handy around the house.

Do I Need a Wheelchair After a Hip Replacement?

Most people walk with a frame or crutches from the start, as walking is part of recovery. A wheelchair is sometimes useful for longer trips in the early weeks, such as hospital visits or days out, and many areas have short term loan schemes through the Red Cross or local charities.

Can I Use the Same Aids After a Knee Replacement?

Yes, many of the same aids help, especially for dressing, bathing and getting the leg into bed.

Should I Buy Aids Before the Operation?

It helps to have them ready, but check first what the hospital will lend you so you do not buy twice. Practising with a grabber, sock aid and leg lifter before surgery makes the first days at home much easier, and it lets you check that chairs and the toilet are a suitable height.