Same-day hip replacement surgeries have become more and more common. Many patients go home or to a rehabilitation facility–even the same day. This quick return to a residential environment results in some unique needs. So, expert home healthcare after hip replacement is a must-have for patients and their families. In this blog, we will explore how home healthcare helps people get back on their feet after hip replacement surgery.
What a Hip Replacement Patient Needs at Home
Once a patient has navigated hip replacement in the hospital setting, he or she goes home with many new needs. First and foremost, the individual needs a safe and comfortable environment with access to all necessary medical equipment.
This medical equipment may include a walker or cane, raised toilet seat, shower chair and grab bars in the bathroom. Having these items already in place before the return home improves patient safety. These aids also make daily activities easier for both the individual and caregivers alike.
In addition to durable medical equipment, people need assistance with everyday tasks. These include meal preparation, housekeeping, bathing and dressing. Patients, family members and caregivers also must understand the restrictions and precautions that come with hip replacement surgery.
With this knowledge, caregivers can properly and safely assist the patient during recovery from hip arthroplasty. Caregivers help with exercises recommended by the physical therapist, monitor for any signs of infection or other complications and keep the home environment clutter-free and easily navigated.
Aside from the physical aspects of post-op recovery, patients need emotional support during this time. Going through a major surgery can feel overwhelming. Encouraging a patient in his or her progress and providing a listening ear can speed up recovery.
Having loved ones and skilled caregivers nearby greatly improves the patient’s sense of security and well-being. Family members and friends should be sensitive to the emotional changes which may develop. Pain and upset over loss of freedom and independence are expected and understandable during recovery at home.
Lastly, post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon ensure healing and safety. The orthopedic doctor’s care plan includes a specific exercise regimen, attending physical therapy sessions and taking medications, such as pain relievers and antibiotics, as directed.
The Role of Home Healthcare in the Post-operative Period
Home healthcare services include skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy and more. At Advantage Home Health Services in the state of Pennsylvania, our multidisciplinary team provides personalized care plans for each of our valued patients to ensure the smoothest possible recovery process.
We understand that recovery at home is preferred by most orthopedic patients. Also, we realize that going home after complex orthopedic surgery presents some one-time and one-of-a-kind challenges. So, we offer a long menu of in-home, professional services to support our patients in their recovery journey
Overall, services provided through our HHOME (Home Health Orthopedic Model for Excellence) focus on many important goals, including:
- Avoiding rehospitalization
- Keeping the patient safe and out of the hospital emergency room
- Avoiding health complications or adverse events, such as falls or infection
- Empowering progress toward self-care and independence
- Return to family responsibilities, job and favorite activities
Along the way, HHOME helps people manage their pain and gain muscular strength, coordination and balance. Our team moves patients toward healing and freedom of movement. Our nurses, therapists and other dedicated professionals work closely with the orthopedic surgeons before and after surgery to individualize patient care.
HHOME patient evaluation and planning begins two weeks before hip replacement surgery. We do this in a cost-effective way. This benefits the bottom line in efficient and compassionate patient care.
Post-op Hip Replacement Home Care in Pennsylvania
Advantage Home Health Services delivers personalized patient care for people recovering from hip replacement surgery and other complex musculoskeletal procedures. Our Home Health Orthopedic Model for Excellence (HHOME) offers services from nurses, home health aides, social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists. We are proud to be ranked among the top 10 percent of home healthcare agencies in the United States.
To learn more about how Advantage Home Health Services can get you back on your feet after hip replacement surgery, call (888) 384-0395. You also may request more information here. We would be honored to speak with you and to care for you during your recovery.
