Joint Replacement Recovery With At-Home Help

As more and more people need a primary or revision total knee or hip joint replacement procedure, more people will also likely need assistance after surgery. For some, that may mean staying at a rehabilitation center, which many are reluctant to do.

The good news is studies show people who immediately return home after the procedure fared just as well or better as those who stayed in a rehabilitation center. Home health care services can provide most, if not all, the help you need during your knee or hip joint replacement recuperation period. Here are a few essential services to arrange prior to your procedure.

After hip or knee joint replacement surgery, you can expect your hospital stay to only last about 1-4 days. If you are having an outpatient joint replacement procedure, you will go home the same day!

As long as your pain is under control and you are able to get in and out of bed, use a walker or other assistive device, use the toilet, eat, maneuver a few steps up and down the stairs, and understand your postoperative instructions, your physician will discharge you. 

While the hospital and your insurance company may decide you are ready to go home, you may not feel anywhere near prepared to leave so soon, especially if you live alone. Also, people sensitive to anesthesia often take longer to feel normal again and may want additional help.

Registered nurses (RN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN) can provide skilled care, bridging the gap from hospital to home until you do feel more comfortable. In addition to monitoring your vital signs, nurses can perform wound care, regulate your medication, and educate family members on how to best care for you.

Skilled nurses can also communicate any complications to your doctor. For example, if your pain is not getting better or they suspect your wound may be becoming infected, they can alert your physician to a potential problem before it escalates.

Naturally, it takes a while for most knee or hip joint replacement recipients to feel steady on their feet again. A certified nursing assistant (CNA) or home health aide is good to have around in your early days of recovery to assist you with routine self-care activities. 

CNAs and home health aides will support your daily hygiene needs such as bathing and grooming, using the toilet, and dressing. They can also assist with meal preparation and light housekeeping, such as doing the dishes after dinner.

It takes a bit to heal from surgery, and a total knee or hip joint replacement is no exception. It will probably be some time before you are ready to scrub your kitchen floor, carry a load of clothes up and down the stairs, or drive to the grocery store to pick some things up for dinner.

Employing a homemaker through a home health care service will ensure your home stays tidy, the laundry gets done, the garbage gets taken out, and you have the things you need while you recover. As you gradually feel better, you can begin assisting with the chores until you are able to take them over on your own.

The success of your total or revision hip or knee replacement surgery largely depends on doing your prescribed exercises. In-home physical therapy visits will ensure you are doing your exercises as you are supposed to and making satisfactory progress.

If you are having a hip or knee joint replacement procedure or any other type of surgery and will need help after you are discharged, contact Redi-Nurse today to discuss your home health care needs. Setting up services before your procedure will provide tremendous peace of mind and allow you to focus on getting well.