In our last blog post, we shared details on what to expect before and during hip replacement surgery. But what happens next? Many seniors, while eager to get back home and to a regular routine, are also nervous about the recovery process. Will she be able to manage the everyday tasks of living? What if she falls again?
Nightingale Homecare wants to reassure you that recovery at home is not only possible, but preferred by the majority of seniors. Professional home care services can make the journey to recovery smoother and safer. Here’s how.
Recovery at Home
The senior will work very closely with a physical and occupational therapist for several weeks following discharge to home, and a full recovery can take anywhere from six to twelve months. The success of the senior’s recovery depends upon her overall health and how closely she adheres to the rehabilitation plan. With Nightingale Homecare, therapists work with the senior right in the comfort of home, eliminating the need to figure out transportation issues, and allowing her to focus fully and safely on the recovery process.
Home Planning Checklist
Consider the following items to maximize safety and comfort during recovery:
- A stable shower bench or chair for bathing
- A long-handled sponge and shower hose
- Safety bars or handrails in the tub/shower
- Handrails along all stairways
- A straight, foam-backed chair with arms and a firm seat cushion that allows the knees to remain lower than the hips
- A raised toilet seat
- A dressing stick, sock aid, and long-handled shoe horn
- A grabber to reach items without excessive bending of the hips
- Firm pillows for chairs, sofas and cars to keep knees lower than the hips
- Removal of loose carpets and electrical cords in walking areas of the home
Our Phoenix in-home care staff can perform an assessment of the home to make sure that these and other safety measures are in place.
Activity
Exercise is a really important component to recovery at home. The senior will continue to work on her assigned exercises with and without the physical therapist, which will improve strength and restore movement. She will be able to resume some light activities within about three weeks following surgery, and will be instructed to gradually increase walking using a walker or a cane to start, and also gradually increase home activities. A bath aide for several days or weeks to assist with bathing and dressing is also recommended.
Diet
It’s normal to have some loss of appetite following surgery. Remind the senior to eat a balanced diet including adequate protein and iron to help promote muscle and tissue healing and strength. Increased fluids and fiber are also critical for normal bowel movements, which can be affected by decreased activity, pain and use of pain medications.
Home care can be a critical component to the success of your senior loved one’s hip replacement surgery. Choose the home care agency that has been the choice of the Valley’s top orthopedic surgeons for over twenty years. Nightingale Homecare understands that home is a place of comfort and healing and that most of the recovery from an orthopedic surgery, illness or injury happens at home. Through our orthopedic rehabilitation program, highly trained physical therapists and occupational therapists provide hands-on therapy in the comfort of the senior’s own home. Contact us to learn more at 602-504-1555.
