Choosing an Assisted Living Facility

Did Your Loved One Get A Hip Replacement? 3 Things To Do To Help Them Have A Healthy Recovery

12 December 2017 by Joe Dixon

A hip replacement is a major surgery that often involves a lengthy recovery. Although your loved one won't come home until the physicians are sure that they are ready, they will likely need some help with their daily routine when they do. As your loved one prepares for their hospital discharge, use these tips to set them up with in-home care services that promote a safer recovery:

Establish a Medication Management Plan

After hip replacements, it is common for medications to be prescribed that are meant to minimize pain, swelling, and infections that interfere with your loved one's recovery. However, it is sometimes hard for a person to keep up with so many medications and mixing the wrong ones could cause your loved one to go back to the hospital. Elderly home care provides medication management services that can include verbal reminders regarding when it is time for your loved one's next dose. Professional caregivers are also trained to watch out for signs of negative side effects from new medications so that your loved one can notify their medical team right away if something is wrong.

Provide Assistance With Therapeutic Exercises

Your loved one may be given special exercises to do to strengthen their muscles and increase the flexibility of their joints. However, your loved one might not have the balance or confidence yet to do these therapeutic exercises on their own. Make sure that your loved one's in-home nursing care provider has a copy of your loved one's exercise program so that they can provide assistance and encouragement that helps your loved one stay motivated for making progress.

Prevent Secondary Injuries

In-home care can also involve assistance with your loved one's daily routine that prevents injuries that can occur from falling until your loved one regains their strength. Talk to the home care staff about your loved one's needs. For instance, they may struggle with taking a bath or getting to the bathroom on time if their hip is still sore or stiff. While it is best for your loved one to walk to the restroom independently, having the physical support of a caregiver helps prevent an accidental fall.

Your loved one's hip replacement is designed to enhance their mobility, but it does take work and time to reach a full recovery. Make sure that your loved one is surrounded by family and professional support that helps them stay healthy and avoid problems such as falls so that they can fully heal from their procedure.

Share