Recently, a few Carebee Community Members have reached out to us in regards to next steps and options available after a knee replacement surgery. Knee replacement surgery is one of the most common surgeries among older adults in Canada, which is why we put together a quick road map of the 7 key steps when undergoing knee replacement.

1. Understand the Procedure and Recovery Timeline

Ask your surgical team what to expect before, during, and after surgery. Many Canadian hospitals and health regions offer pre-surgical education classes (in person or online) that explain the process and recovery tips. Typical recovery milestones include:

Short hospital stay (1–3 days, sometimes same-day discharge)
Walking with assistance within 24 hours
Physiotherapy starting right away and continuing for several weeks

2. Prepare Your Home

Set up your living space to make moving around easier once you return home:

Remove loose rugs or clutter
Install grab bars or railings if needed
Arrange for a raised toilet seat or shower chair
Place commonly used items within easy reach

For a listing of reputable companies offering assistive devices, such as walking canes or installing grab bars, visit the Carebee Rolodex Mobility Devices & Solutions service category.

3. Arrange for Home Care Services or a Respite Stay

During the initial recovery, it may be more challenging to take care of our household and overall well-being, as well as may need assistance with dressing, bathing and housekeeping. In some instances, it may be a better fit to book a short-term repiste stay at a reputable Retirement Community. Think of it like a short-term hotel stay, where all your housekeeping and food needs are taken care of with the added bonus of a 24-hour nurse on site. It can bring both peace of mind and ease the physical component of taking care of a household while recovering. If you are in the Etobicoke area, we highly recommend that you look at The Village of Humber Heights, which offers such respite stays. You can populate the form found on their Carebee Landing Page, to get more information.

If you live alone and plan on recovering in the comfort of your own home, consider arranging home care support through your provincial health authority or private services, such as Ontario Health at Home. For a list of reputable private home care agencies, visit the Carebee Rolodex Home Care service directory.

4. Plan for Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is essential to regain strength and mobility. In Canada, post-surgery physiotherapy may be:

Offered at the hospital or outpatient clinic
Covered by your province (in some cases) or through private insurance

Ask your surgeon for referrals to community physio programs or home-based rehab services in your area. There are businesses out there that will also come to you to provide such services, for a list of reputable providers visit the Carebee Rolodex Direct to Home Services category.

5. Arrange Transportation and Support

You won’t be able to drive for several weeks after surgery. Plan rides to and from:

The hospital or surgical centre
Follow-up appointments
Physiotherapy sessions

Contact family, friends, or visit the Carebee Rolodex Transportation service category for a list of reputable transportation companies.

6. Focus on Nutrition and Prehab

Eating a balanced diet and doing gentle exercises before surgery — sometimes called “prehab” — can speed up recovery. Ask your healthcare provider about:

Safe strengthening and flexibility exercises
Maintaining a healthy weight before surgery
Managing any conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure

7. Register for the Free Carebee Rolodex

If you are not yet a Member, register for Free at www.carebee.ca/welcome-members. Members can browse our 25+ service categories or search by ‘Need’, and look up available options to help support you on your unique journey.

Preparing for knee replacement surgery as an older adult in Canada involves more than just showing up on surgery day. With the right planning, support, and mindset, you can make recovery smoother and get back to doing the things you love — pain-free.

Getting Ready for Your Knee Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide for Older Adults in Canada