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In short: Recovery after a hip or knee replacement is much easier at home with the right setup: a higher, firmer chair with a powered lift so you are not forcing a healing joint, an adjustable bed that helps you get in and out safely, and the walking aid your physio recommends. Most of this is a short-term need while you recover, so trying before buying, and getting the heights right, really matters. We offer a free assessment and in-home demonstrations, and can have you set up quickly. Call 1300 225 203.
The first weeks at home
After a hip or knee replacement, the advice is usually to keep the joint supported, avoid low or soft seating, and follow your surgeon and physio’s movement rules. There is good reason for that: after a hip replacement your care team will usually have you up and walking with a walking support soon after surgery, and after a knee replacement healthdirect notes that doing the exercises you are given makes recovery quicker, so the right chair, bed and frame make those first days at home safer. The right equipment makes all of that easier and safer, and takes the worry out of the everyday jobs like standing up, sitting down and getting into bed.
A chair that protects the joint
Low, soft chairs are the enemy of a healing hip or knee, because they force the joint to bend too far and work too hard to stand. A higher, firmer chair with a powered lift recliner does the pushing up for you and keeps the joint in a safer range. Being able to recline and elevate the legs also helps with swelling. Our lift recliner chair guide covers what to look for.
A bed you can get in and out of safely
Getting in and out of bed is one of the trickier moments early in recovery. An adjustable bed that raises the head and knees makes it much easier and safer, and helps with comfort and swelling. See our adjustable beds guide, and our how-to on helping someone in and out of bed. If you only need a bed for a few weeks of recovery, you can hire a hospital or home care bed rather than buy one.
The walking aid your physio recommends
Most people use a walking frame or crutches straight after surgery, then progress to a rollator as they get stronger. The important thing is to use what your physiotherapist recommends and to have it set to the right height. We can supply the right aid quickly and set it up for you. See our walkers and rollators guide.
Set up quickly, and only what you need
Because this is often a short-term need, we help you get set up quickly with the right heights, and we are happy to advise on what is genuinely worth it for a few months of recovery. We offer a free assessment and in-home demonstrations, and can deliver and install in-stock items, normally within 2 to 5 business days. If your recovery is funded, we can work with your OT and provide compliant quotes. See our funding guide.
Visit us: Unit 2/136 Keys Road, Cheltenham VIC 3192. Call 1300 225 203. Free in-home demonstrations across bayside Melbourne, the south-east and the Mornington Peninsula.
Common questions
What chair is best after a hip or knee replacement?
A higher, firmer chair with a powered lift recliner, because it keeps the joint in a safer range and does the work of standing up for you. Being able to recline and raise the legs also helps with swelling. We will help you get the height right and let you try it.
Do I need an adjustable bed after surgery?
It is not essential, but many people find getting in and out of bed much easier and safer with an adjustable bed that raises the head and knees, especially in the first weeks. It also helps with comfort and swelling.
What walking aid will I need after a hip or knee replacement?
Usually a walking frame or crutches at first, progressing to a rollator as you get stronger, but always follow your physiotherapist’s advice. We can supply the right aid quickly and set it to your height.
Is it worth buying equipment for a short recovery?
Often yes, for the safety and comfort it brings in those first weeks, and much of it stays useful afterwards. We will give you honest advice on what is genuinely worth it, and you can try before you buy.
Mobility Co provides general information only and is not a substitute for advice from your surgeon or physiotherapist. Please follow your clinical team’s instructions during recovery.
What our customers say
Visit our Cheltenham showroom
The best way to choose is to come and try. Sit in the chairs, lie back on the beds, and let us help you find what actually fits. Walk-ins are always welcome, and for the larger items like lift chairs, adjustable beds and mobility scooters we do suggest booking a time so we can give you our full attention. Prefer to stay home? We also do free in-home demonstrations, and the kettle is always on.
Mobility Co
Unit 2/136 Keys Road
Cheltenham VIC 3192
Opening hours
Monday to Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday: by appointment
Walk-ins welcome, appointments encouraged for larger items
Call us: 1300 225 203
Related reading: How to reduce falls at home and our Bayside home safety guide.
About the author
Daylan Kempster is an assistive technology specialist and the director of Mobility Co, a family owned mobility equipment showroom in Cheltenham, Melbourne. He has close to ten years of experience in the assistive technology and healthcare sector, gained across several companies, working with older Australians managing the changes of ageing, younger people living with disability, and people who need the right equipment for a short time while they recover from surgery. He writes these guides from hands on experience helping families choose beds, chairs, scooters and walkers that suit a real home. Connect with Daylan on LinkedIn.
Browse our equipment range
Our most popular categories, all available to see and try at our Cheltenham showroom in Melbourne.
Helpful aids: a sock aid and dressing aids make dressing easier while you recover, and you can hire a shower chair for the first few weeks.
