Final answer:
Residents recovering from hip replacements should dress the affected/weaker side first to ensure safety and promote independence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Residents recovering from hip replacements should dress their affected/weaker side first. This advice is given to ensure safety and promote independence by allowing the stronger side to assist the weaker side. When getting undressed, the process should be reversed; remove clothing from the unaffected/stronger side first.
For example, if a resident had their left hip replaced, they would put their left arm or leg into their clothing before the right. This method lessens the risk of falls and strain on the affected side, which is crucial for successful rehabilitation.