A hip replacement can allow a senior to enjoy greater comfort and mobility. However, it does take some time to heal. If your aging loved one is preparing for hip replacement surgery, here’s what to expect during the recovery process along with some strategies to ensure the best possible outcome.
Hospital Procedures
Immediately after the surgery, your loved one will be transferred to the recovery area, where he or she will be monitored for several hours. This is to ensure the anesthesia has worn off completely before your loved one attempts to walk, and the nurses will check to make sure his or her vital signs are normal. During the next several hours or the next day, your loved one will be encouraged to sit up and possibly even walk with the help of a walker or other assistive device to encourage blood circulation.
Possible Complications
Blood clots are one of the biggest concerns after hip replacement surgery. For this reason, the doctor may have your loved one wear inflatable air sleeves or compression stockings designed to apply the pressure needed to stop blood from pooling in the legs. Short walks along with prescription medication may also be recommended by your loved one’s physician to prevent clots. Fall-related injuries are another potential complication, but your loved one can prevent this by only doing as much as he or she is approved to do after the surgery.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support while your loved one recovers at home. When researching agencies that provide senior home care, families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caregiving duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you can rely on Heroes Home Care.
Physical Therapy
Daily exercise plays a vital role in recovery, since it will help your loved one regain strength in the muscles and joints. Your loved one’s physical therapist will teach your parent some exercises to do right away in the hospital and others to do at home while gaining strength. During the first few weeks of physical therapy, your loved one may begin walking with a mobility aid such as a cane. Later, your loved one will be able to walk unaided as the leg becomes strong enough to bear weight.
Amarillo home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
At-Home Care
Once your loved one returns home, you’ll need to limit his or her activity until he or she is healed. During this time, you may need to arrange for a caregiver to help with household tasks such as cooking and cleaning. It’s also helpful to store things your loved one needs on waist-high shelves and countertops so he or she doesn’t have to bend down. Approximately six to eight weeks following the surgery, your loved one will have a checkup with the physician to see if he or she is ready to return to normal activity levels.
If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Amarillo Heroes Home Care can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks. To learn more about our premier in-home care plans, call us at (806) 803-9991 today.