More than 310,000 hip replacement surgeries take place in a year.
The surgery involves cutting away the damaged pieces of a hip joint and replacing them with prosthetic pieces. The purpose of the surgery is to relieve pain, allow the person to move better, and improve the function of the joint. Most people who have hip replacement surgery are in the hospital between one and four days. Afterward, it takes three to six months to completely recover.
To ensure a more successful surgery and recovery, there are several things seniors should do prior to surgery. Here are some of them:
Get Educated About the Procedure
Seniors and their family caregivers should listen closely to what the doctor says about the procedure. Read any literature you are given. Also, spend some time researching the different kinds of joints that are available and what the senior may experience during their recovery period. Before visiting with the surgeon, write down any questions you may have as it can be easy to forget them during an appointment. An elder care provider can assist your aging relative with writing down their questions.
Shed Excess Weight
Sometimes doctors recommend that a patient lose some weight before surgery to reduce stress on the joint. Weight loss can also help to prevent complications after surgery. It can also help to build some upper body strength before surgery since the senior will probably need to rely on a walker or cane afterward, which can be easier if they are stronger. Elder care can assist with weight loss by preparing healthy, low-calorie meals for the older adult.
Arrange Transportation
The older adult will not be able to drive for a while after surgery. Decide who is going to drive them to the hospital for the surgery and bring them home again. Also, someone will need to drive them to follow up appointments and therapy sessions. They may also need transportation to other places, such as the grocery store or worship services. Ask family and friends if they can help with this task. Don’t forget that an elder care provider can also take your loved one places.
Line Up a Team of Caregivers
Not only will the older adult need help with transportation, they will likely need assistance for several days, if not weeks, following the surgery. Determine who will stay with the older adult until they are able to be on their own. Elder care can help fill in gaps between times when family members or friends are able to be with the person.
If you or a family member are in need of Home Care in Aventura, FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770.
Providing service in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Weston, Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Lighthouse Point, and Wilton Manors.
Sources
https://www.arthritis-health.com
https://www.niams.nih.gov
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