I was laid up after surgery for 2 months (not allowed to read, even), and I survived because friends went to the library and brought me books on tape.

If your cousin will have difficulty getting up and down, then one of those reach extender things is really helpful. I got one for a friend who had abdominal surgery, and she talked for months afterwards about how much that helped. I got her a really basic one, two or three feet long, maybe, light, aluminum, with a little grabber at the end, and behind that a small magnet. You should be able to find them at pharmacy places.

Wish your cousin well for us!