Keep movement precautions visible
The surgeon or treating team may give specific guidance about weight-bearing, hip precautions, sitting, sleeping, wound care, walking aids, and exercises. These instructions can differ between people and procedures, so keep them available for everyone involved in care.
A home physiotherapy plan should work within those instructions. If the family is unsure about a movement or symptom, contact the treating team rather than guessing.
Set up the home for transfers and walking
Look at the bed, chair, bathroom, stairs, and route the person will use most. Make the route clear and well lit, and check that the prescribed walking aid fits the space. Practising a transfer in the actual home can make guidance more useful.
Give the person enough time to stand, find their balance, and begin walking. Avoid pulling an arm or lifting from the walking aid.
Support gradual independence
Caregivers may be tempted to do every task, but safe independence is often part of recovery. Let the person participate in steps they can complete, while staying close and following the agreed level of assistance.
Track practical progress such as a safer bed-to-chair transfer, a short walk to the bathroom, or improved confidence. Report setbacks or new symptoms to the care team.
When to seek urgent help
Contact the surgeon or seek urgent medical care for severe or worsening pain, chest pain, breathing difficulty, fever, wound discharge, increasing redness, sudden calf swelling, or sudden weakness. Physiotherapy is not a substitute for emergency care.