What Is a Hip Kit, and How Much Does It Cost

Hip replacement surgery is a common procedure that typically relieves pain and improves mobility. Each year, more than 540,000 hip replacements are performed in the U.S.

After a hip replacement, it's important not to bend over until you fully heal. Many people find that assistive tools help them avoid bending over during their recovery. These aids are typically known as a "hip kit" when grouped and sold together.

A hip kit includes items that help prevent overextension of your hip while you rehabilitate from surgery. The items are designed to help you with getting dressed, bathing, and picking up objects off the floor. This helps you maintain independence while you heal.

How much does a hip kit cost?

Hip kits can range from less than $20 to more than $60 depending on the quantity, type, and quality of the items included. Most kits contain a standard set of five aids, but some have fewer and some have more.

You can pay for a hip kit using tax-advantaged funds from a flexible spending account (FSA), a health savings account (HSA), or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA). If you cannot afford a hip kit, you may be able to borrow items from a medical equipment loan program near you or buy just the items you expect to need most.

Hip kit contents

Items in a hip kit allow you to have movement without twisting or bending too far. (It's not recommended to bend over more than 90 degrees after a hip replacement.) Hip kits may contain any number of items, but there are typically five standard aids:

• Dressing stick

• Grabber or reacher

• Long-handled bathing sponge (also called an hourglass sponge or round sponge)

• Shoehorn

• Sock aid

Some "deluxe" or "premium" hip kits may also include:

• Elastic shoelaces (one or more pairs)

• Leg lifter (also called a leg lifter strap)

• Additional grabbers or reachers of varying lengths

More about hip kit contents

Here are more details about items commonly included in a hip kit:

• Dressing stick: This multipurpose tool has prongs on the end that can serve you in different ways. A dressing stick can help you pick up clothes off the floor, put on coats, jackets, or belts, and remove shoes and socks.

• Elastic shoelaces: These shoelaces made of stretchy material are like long rubber bands. They help you tie your shoes without bending over. The elastic also helps your shoes remain tied and allows for easy removal because of the flexibility of the material.

• Grabber or reacher: This is a long-handled device with a gripping claw on one end. A grabber or reacher can be used to pick up clothes off the floor, fetch items that are out of reach, and put on pants or shorts.

• Long-handled bathing sponge: This device can help you bathe thoroughly without bending or twisting.

• Shoehorn: Also known as a shoe spoon, this tool can help you ease your foot into a shoe - especially one that fits tightly - without having to bend over.

• Sock aid: This semi-flexible form holds your sock open so you can insert your foot. Strings on the side of the device allow you to pull the sock over your foot without bending over.

In some cases, people find certain hip kit items more helpful than others. That's one reason why some items are sold individually or in custom combinations.

Benefits of a hip kit

In addition to helping with recovery from a hip replacement, a hip kit can be beneficial for people recovering from knee or bariatric surgery and those who have arthritis or another condition that limits mobility.

A hip kit can benefit you by:

• Enabling you to safely resume activities of daily living

• Helping you avoid a postsurgery setback

• Decreasing your dependence on caregivers

• Lowering pain and reducing discomfort

• Reducing stress on your body

Will original Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans cover hip kits?

No, original Medicare doesn't cover hip kits, but Medicare Advantage plans may, depending on the plan. A hip kit may be covered under a Medicare Advantage plan's over-the-counter benefits.

Additional household assistive items

In addition to the contents of a hip kit, there are other assistive aids that can help you at home during your recovery. These items include:

• Walking aids: Mobility items such as canes, crutches, and walkers can help you maintain balance when standing or walking.

• Raised toilet seat: This attachable commode seat is elevated and has raised handles that can help you sit down on and stand up from the toilet, reducing how much you bend.

• Nonslip mats and rugs: These floor coverings may help you with stability.

• Handheld shower head with hose: This tool gives you access to hard-to-reach places when bathing.

Tips for a smoother recovery after hip surgery

According to the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, people who have had hip or knee replacement surgery recover faster at home and have a lower risk of adverse events such as infection compared to people who go to a rehabilitation center. That's why, if possible, it's ideal to recover at home - which requires properly preparing your space.

In addition to securing a hip kit, here are some ways you can get yourself and your home ready for your postsurgery rehab:

• Prepare a recovery center in your home by placing essential items - such as medication, water, snacks, hand sanitizer, and chargers - within reach of a comfortable chair.

• Preplan meals that you can prepare easily, such as frozen food that can be reheated.

• Acquire durable medical equipment such as a cane and/or walker.

• Add adaptive equipment, such as nonslip rugs or suction-cup mats, grab bars, and a shower chair, to your bathroom and/or bedroom.

• Fill any prescription pain medications from your treating healthcare professionals.

• Work with a physical therapist to learn exercises and set movement goals.

• Find comfortable clothing, like shorts, that won't place pressure on your waist and hip area.

• Get nonslip shoes so you can avoid walking in socks, stockings, or slippers.

• Set up follow-up appointments with your surgeon.