Preparing the Home Before Surgery or Rehab: Planning Ahead for Safety and Independence

October 11, 2025

Preparing the Home Before Surgery or Rehab: Planning Ahead for Safety and Independence


Recovering from a surgery—such as a hip or knee replacement—or returning home after rehab can be a major adjustment. The good news is that much of the stress can be reduced with proper home preparation ahead of time.


At Accessible Living Atlanta, we often meet families after a fall or hospital stay, but we want people to know—home modifications are most effective when done before the need becomes urgent.

Here’s what pre-surgery planning might include:
✅ A zero-threshold shower to prevent tripping or loss of balance
✅ Grab bars near the toilet, shower, and bed for stability
✅ Ramps or stair lifts for safe access in and out of the home
✅ Wider doorways and open pathways for walkers or wheelchairs
✅ Proper lighting to eliminate shadows and hazards


By addressing these areas before returning home, recovery becomes smoother, safer, and less stressful for both patients and caregivers.


Because when the home is ready, recovery feels possible. 💙



👉 Accessible Living Atlanta – Preparing homes for safer, easier recoveries across metro Atlanta.

Green emergency exit sign; running person with arrow pointing right.
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When a fire or emergency strikes, seconds matter. For someone who is wheelchair-bound, uses a walker, or struggles with mobility , getting out of the home can become nearly impossible without proper planning and modification. In Georgia, building codes require at least one operable emergency exit , and most homes include two egress points so one can serve as a backup if the other is blocked. But here’s the challenge: If both exits have steps… If doorways are too narrow… If there’s no clear, safe path outside… If the threshold is too high for a wheelchair… Those exits aren’t truly accessible. ✔ Common Barriers We See: High thresholds Narrow doors Multiple steps at all exits No ramp access Obstacles in the egress path Heavy exterior doors difficult to operate ✔ Home Modifications That Change Outcomes: Zero-threshold exterior doors Ramps or modular ramp systems Widened doorways Smooth, slip-resistant paths to safe areas Vertical platform lifts (when terrain prevents ramp installation) Reinforced grab bars at exit points An emergency is not the time to discover a home’s limitations. Planning ahead means safety, dignity, and peace of mind for families and caregivers. 📞 770-301-8165 | 🌐 www.alatlanta.com
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This client in Woodstock, GA became wheelchair bound and could no longer access her traditional garden tub . Bathing safely was impossible — until we stepped in to redesign the space for safety, mobility, dignity, and future care planning . 🔑 Key Project Modifications: ✔ Removed the full garden tub ✔ Installed a zero-threshold / barrier-free shower ✔ Created additional open floor space for wheelchair maneuverability ✔ Added built-in shower seat & handheld shower attachment ✔ Installed multiple grab bars , including front-wall placement ✔ Used non-slip flooring throughout ✔ Modified the cabinet & sink for roll-under wheelchair access ✔ Widened the powder room door to allow easy entry ✔ Expanded the overall bathroom layout for future caregiver assistance 🌟 Outcome: The client can now bathe independently, safely, and without assistance. The bathroom is also now designed to accommodate a caregiver in the future , ensuring long-term accessibility and dignity. “I never thought I’d be able to bathe on my own again — this changed my life.” 📞 770-301-8165 | 🌐 www.alatlanta.com
Flyer for Accessible Living Atlanta, highlighting exterior home access solutions, benefits, and a house illustration.
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