Heads, Shoulders, Knee and Hip Replacement — Recovering at Home.
Modern medicine has allowed for hip and knee replacements to become a common and simple procedure for seniors, these surgeries can be life-changing in the long run but it is important to take recovery seriously at home. Foothills Home Services puts the well-being of seniors at the forefront, over 20 years we have been there to care for many seniors after surgery by providing a range of home care services in Calgary and surrounding areas.
Home Preparation
There are some simple things that can be done before going to the hospital for surgery to make recovery and life easier when returning home.
Help set up a bed on the main floor if you can
Make or buy single meals that can be frozen and reheated easily
Place glasses, a coffee pot, and other items used a lot out on the kitchen counter → make sure your senior can reach everything without getting on tiptoes or bending down low
Have a phone put within reach
Place a chair in the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom - this way your senior loved one can sit when doing daily tasks
Have a bathroom or a portable commode on the same floor → Put a shower chair in the shower and place soap and shampoo where there will be no need to stand up, reach, or twist to reach them
Pain Control
Necessary medication will be prescribed by the doctor after surgery - ensure your senior loved one takes pain medicine as directed.
Recommend a dose of pain medicine 1 or 2 hours before engaging in physical activity or attending physiotherapy sessions - it is better to take medicine BEFORE the pain is severe.
Ice can reduce pain and inflammation - place an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the area needing treatment
Do not push - regular rest is an important part of the healing process.
Demonstrate relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation
Offer distraction - Visit your senior companion often, call over the phone, or drop off a prepared meal!
Be Mindful of Complications
Although rare within modern hip and knee replacements there are some possible complications to be aware of following the surgery.
Infection in the new joint - more likely in people who have diabetes or a weakened immune system
Dislocation of the new joint - most often occurs when returning to physical activities before the body is ready!
An allergic reaction to the metal parts in the artificial joint
Home Care Assistance
Extra care is needed in many situations after hip and knee surgeries - help bathing, using the toilet, cooking, running errands, going to doctor's visits, and exercising → in-home caregivers can check the safety of your senior companion's home and help with these daily activities. If after surgery you feel further help is necessary Foothills Home Services is there to provide the extra care needed - we provide professionally certified HCA’s that are available to assist with:
Bed transfers, lifting, turning and walking
Medication administration
Ready To Reach Out to Foothills Home Care Services?
Are you feeling anxious about an upcoming hip or knee replacement for the senior you love? Providing private home care in Southern Alberta for over two decades Sylvia has built a strong foundation in-home care for seniors. Care providers are available for an array of tasks after surgery, whether assistance needed is as simple as grocery shopping and housekeeping or more substantial such as bathing assistance, medication administration there is a care plan for your senior companion during their recovery, and after!
Interested in learning more about what home care assistance can achieve for the senior companion in your life? Reach out and start the conversation today!
