After surgery and everyday tasks

After an operation, what's hard at home tends to be very specific. Surgery on a hand, wrist or shoulder can leave you working with one arm. After a hip, knee, back or abdominal operation, the trouble is usually bending to the floor, reaching your feet, or standing long enough to cook or shower.

Find the task first, then the guide for what's in your way: one hand, can't bend or reach, or can't stand for long. Every guide assumes you're following the instructions your surgical team gave you, and none of it replaces them. If a tip doesn't fit what you were told, leave it out.

Many hospitals arrange a visit from an occupational therapist before you're discharged. Use it to bring up the particular jobs at home you're worried about, from the stairs to the bathtub.