Having a hip replaced is a big step, and a little preparation makes the operation and early recovery much easier. This guide focuses on how to stay clean, protect your new joint, and manage the first weeks whether you are in a hospital or recovering alone in basic accommodation. Protocols vary, so confirm every detail with your own surgeon.

1. Pre-operative hygiene and infection prevention

One of the most important parts of modern joint surgery is cutting down bacteria on the skin before the first incision. Most hospitals give patients chlorhexidine wipes or a liquid wash to use the night before and the morning of surgery. Some ask you to start three to five days in advance. No one told me this, it’s one of the many things I found out hanging out on forums. But once I found out I needed to be in and sleep in a clean environment, plus have clean clothes on daily, then I could begin to make plans. I’m one of the people who doesn’t wash jeans, and I only have one set of trousers, three teeshirts, clearly, I’m going to have to go shopping. Anyway, preparing for surgery…

The routine is simple:

• Shower or wipe the whole body with the antiseptic, avoiding eyes, ears, and mouth.
• After each wash, put on freshly laundered clothes and sleep on clean sheets.
• Do not apply lotions, powders, or deodorant after the final wash.

If you are staying in a hotel or guesthouse where laundry is uncertain, there are workarounds. A cheap flat sheet or lightweight liner that you can wash yourself is often enough. Even wiping down a yoga mat or thin mattress with an antiseptic wipe helps keep bacteria levels low if that is where you sleep.

2. What to expect in hospital (first week)

Most hip patients stay in hospital for several days. With minimally invasive approaches such as SuperPATH, you may walk with assistance within hours, but staff still take care of hygiene while you gain strength.

Daily routines often include:

• Bed-bath wipes or mild soap and water for a gentle wash until you can shower safely. These wipes are different from the strong pre-op chlorhexidine type: they are soft, moisturising, and do not need rinsing.
• Compression stockings put on each morning and removed for a skin check at least once a day. Nurses look for wrinkles, pressure marks, or damp areas.
• Wound care, including a check of the dressing and surrounding skin. The incision is usually kept dry until the surgeon allows you to get it wet.

By discharge, you should know how to keep the wound clean, how long to wear the stockings, and what to do if you notice redness, swelling, or fever.

3. Hygiene and stockings after discharge

The first days at home can be tricky if you are alone or in basic accommodation. Most people cannot bend easily at first, and you may be told to avoid low chairs or twisting.

To stay clean:

• Use large “bed bath” wipes or no-rinse washcloths. They are designed for post-operative care and much gentler than pre-op wipes.
• Keep a long-handled sponge nearby for washing legs, feet, or back while standing upright.
• Dry carefully, especially behind knees and around the dressing. Keep the incision dry unless your surgeon says the covering is waterproof.

Compression stockings remain important for several weeks. They reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) while you are less mobile. Even if it feels awkward, stockings need to come off every day so you (or someone else) can check the skin, clean your legs, and smooth out any folds. Wrinkles or sweat under the fabric can soften the skin and lead to sores or infection.

If bending is difficult:

• A sock aid lets you load the stocking over a plastic shell, drop it to the floor, and pull it up using attached cords.
• A reacher or long tongs helps adjust fabric or remove the stocking without leaning over too far.
• If possible, arrange a helper or short nursing visit until you are more mobile.

4. Blood clot prevention

Blood clots in the legs or lungs are the most serious early risk after hip replacement. Hospitals use two main strategies:

• Mechanical protection such as compression stockings or inflatable pumps (intermittent pneumatic compression devices). The cuffs wrap around the legs and squeeze gently to push blood toward the heart, mimicking natural movement. They are often used while in bed and may be rented for home use.
• Medication (anticoagulants) that thin the blood slightly. Options include injections like low-molecular-weight heparin or oral drugs such as rivaroxaban or apixaban.

Some patients use both; others take only medication if stockings are impractical. The choice depends on your medical history, mobility, and how easy it is to keep stockings clean and fitted. Discuss these points at your pre-operative visit:

• How long will I need stockings?
• Will I also receive an anticoagulant? Which one, and for how long?
• Who will check my wound and skin once I leave hospital?

Do not switch between tablets and stockings without a clear plan from your surgeon. Both work well but only if used exactly as intended.

5. Equipment for a safe recovery

• Reacher or grabber: lets you pick up dropped items or pull clothing into place without bending.
• Sock aid: helps put on compression stockings or socks.
• Long-handled sponge: for washing feet and lower legs.
• Raised toilet seat or frame: reduces the need to squat or twist.
• Firm chair with arms: useful for eating, dressing, or resting without straining your new hip.
• Walking aids: a frame or crutches for the first phase, switching to a stick when advised.
• Non-slip shoes or sandals: protect your feet and give steady footing.
• Safe sleeping surface: if you use a yoga mat instead of a bed, make sure it is high or firm enough so you can get up without bending too far.

6. Planning for support

Even if you prefer independence, the first week after discharge is much easier with help. Options include:

• Extending your hospital stay for an extra night or two.
• Booking a home-visit nurse or carer to help with stockings and hygiene.
• Asking hotel staff to change linen or bring water for sponge baths.

Make sure helpers know how to keep the wound and stockings clean, and give them any written instructions from the hospital.

7. Final tips for a smooth recovery

• Follow the hospital’s written instructions on wound care, stockings, and medicines.
• Keep the incision dry and watch for warmth, redness, or discharge.
• Walk little and often as soon as staff or your surgeon says it is safe.
• Keep emergency contact numbers handy in case of sudden pain, fever, or swelling.

A successful hip replacement is not just about the surgery itself. Careful preparation, good hygiene, and clear advice about clot prevention protect your new joint and help you get back on your feet quickly. Even if you are staying in basic accommodation, planning ahead with wipes, simple equipment, and clear instructions gives you the best chance of an uncomplicated recovery.