If you have a hip replacement coming up, the hospital will expect you to sort out your own equipment. North York General's patient guide puts it plainly: "It is the patients' responsibility to arrange their own equipment, so it is ready upon their discharge from hospital." It also tells hip patients to expect to go home the same day as their surgery, so "ready" means before you go in.
Here is what's usually on the list, what can wait, and what it costs.
Your surgeon, physiotherapist and occupational therapist (OT) decide what you need, and every hospital's list is a little different. Follow yours. This page is about getting the equipment, not the medical side.
Have these home before your surgery
- A two-wheeled walker. North York General lists it for every type of hip replacement, for about a month, and notes: "You will need your walker the day you are discharged home." Ours is the Medline 2-wheel folding walker, $61. It's height-adjustable and folds flat for the car.
- A single-point cane. Also on the list for every hip replacement. Canes aren't in our online shop yet, so call 289-401-7778 and we'll tell you what we have.
- A stair railing, if your stairs don't have one. The same guide recommends installing one before surgery. Book the handyman early.
One thing people get wrong: if your list says a two-wheeled walker, get a two-wheeled walker. A four-wheel rollator is a different piece of equipment, so don't swap one in without asking your physiotherapist.
Bathroom and dressing items: often decided after surgery
North York General marks these "depends on progress": the OT assesses you after surgery and recommends them if you need them. If you're having both hips done, its guide lists the bathroom items as needed from the start.
| Item | What it's for | At Stridewell |
|---|---|---|
| Raised toilet seat with arms | Sitting down and standing up with less bending | See toilet seats |
| Bath transfer bench | Tub and shower combos: sit, then slide across | Medline bench, $180 |
| Bath chair | Walk-in shower stalls | Medline chair, $98 |
| Reacher, sock aid, long shoe horn | Getting dressed without bending | Call us |
| Wedge cushion | Sitting in a chair | Call us |
Waiting for the OT means you only buy what you'll use. The catch is that you need it quickly once they say so. We deliver the same day across the GTA on in-stock items ordered by 1pm, so a recommendation made in the morning can be in your bathroom that evening.
Before you go in: a quick check of the house
- Measure the bathroom. The tub wall height, the shower stall size and the space beside the toilet decide which bench, chair or seat fits. Call us with the numbers and we'll match them.
- Walk the route you'll use most. Bedroom, bathroom, kitchen: move anything that narrows the path for a walker.
- Stairs. Get the railing in (see above).
Quick answers
What equipment do I need after hip replacement surgery?
At North York General, every hip replacement patient needs a two-wheeled walker and a single-point cane. A raised toilet seat, a bath bench or chair, and dressing aids are added if your OT recommends them, or from the start if both hips are done.
When should I buy it?
The walker and cane before your surgery date. Many patients go home the same day.
Walker or rollator after a hip replacement?
Whatever your list says. North York General's list asks for a two-wheeled walker.
How long will I need the walker?
North York General's guide lists the walker and cane for about a month. Your physiotherapist decides when you stop.
Sort it in one call
Call 289-401-7778 with your hospital's list and your surgery date. We'll tell you what's in stock and when it can arrive. The showroom is at 3995 Chesswood Dr in North York, Monday to Friday 9:30 to 5.
Having knee or foot surgery instead? See what to get after surgery and knee scooter vs crutches.
Source: North York General Hospital, Total Hip Replacement Surgery Patient Guide (2024). Stridewell is not affiliated with North York General.