@Daffy dill I understand your apprehension about being able to function in whatever ways you have to, at home. Having been out of shape for years due a bad knee that I stalled on for years, followed almost immediately by a bad hip, I hadn't been active at all, was using a cane, & for longer or unknown expeditions, a travel chair.
I think you will be evaluated by the PT folks at the hospital & if you demonstrate ability to meet certain criteria & don't develop contra indicative medical issues, it's home sweet home. I think you must be able to get to the bathroom, dress yourself, walk a certain number of steps, & ascend/descend steps. Anyway, they will definitely have an opinion. Could be you'll need to build up some muscle strength, or are not doing well enough on a walker, or lack stamina, or are unable to perform certain exercises, or they haven't been able to regulate your pain meds... Who know? Of you might need some extra goodies like a transfusion or an IV or another test. All that is fixable stuff.
Soooo -- if all that checks out & they feel you'd be better served at home, terrific! You'll have to get up those steps at your house & your hubby will be running & fetching, preparing meals for you, doing laundry, doing errands, etc., so I hope he's up to the job. Hope you've arranged for a raised toilet seat at some point soon, as well as those aids you think would be helpful.
If by some chance, you don't pass PT muster, a rehab is not a bad idea. You'd be in a controlled environment where you would presumably receive regular PT 2-3 x/day & have all your needs met. It gets you out of bed & moving when you least want to, but it will probably get you up & running & in better condition sooner than later. Be sure, if you go this route, to know what internist or physiatrist follows you medically while you're there. I know some surgeons think rehab is conducive to infections; I've read that here on BS also. You're probably never gonna get universal agreement on this, Daffy.
Another aspect is fall risk. This is a matter of pure unadulterated safety. If you feel you need more practice on cane due to spinal issues, and weak legs, I therefore feel it behooves your "management" to make the arrangements & sign you up!! That's the best I can do except recommend an absolutely super rehab where my friend went for her bilateral TKR. She loved it so much, she didn't want to leave! Check out the Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in White Plains, NY. My friend lives on the Island in Plainview & spent 12 days there; she walked out on 2 canes!
Hope this helped.
United States
I have really been blessed with a great recovery, and helped when doubts came up by 
