How Home Care Helps after a Total Hip and Total Knee Replacements

Home care specialists provide recovery support and assistance as your loved one returns home after being hospitalized for a total hip and total knee replacements.

Home Care Interventions for Patients being discharged for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacements

The readmission rate within 30 days after hip and knee replacement in 2013 was 34 for every 1,000 patients. (www.forbes.com) While readmission rates are low, it is still important to take precaution in order to prevent readmission to the hospital. Home care can help after hip and knee surgery so readmission is less likely.

Transportation

Most patients cannot drive for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, and some individuals will not be able to drive past the 6-week mark. Additionally, individuals on certain medications, such as narcotics, should not drive at all. Home care specialists can help with transportation by driving patients to and from dr. appointments, social gatherings, running errands, and more.

Physical Activity Assistance

Individuals who have had a hip or knee replacement need to watch for swelling and reduce the risk of blood clots in the veins of your legs. Basic exercises such as walking will help maintain blood flow. A home care specialist can walk with patients and remind them to do their physical therapy exercises. Something as simple as pumping feet up and down 20 times per hour can help reduce blood clots. A home care specialist can also help with bed & wheelchair transfers during recovery care.

Medication Reminders

Some individuals will be placed on Aspirin or Coumadin to thin their blood and reduce the risk of blood clots forming. Patients may also be on antibiotics to protect the joint replacement from infection. Home care specialists can help keep medications straight and remind patients of the proper timing and dosage to take.

If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.

Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.

Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California including: Campbell, CA, Roseville, CA, San Marcos, CA, and San Mateo, CA.

Sources:

Carol Pardue-Spears

Carol has worked in the healthcare field for more than forty years. As a Certified Nursing Assistant, she worked for El Camino Hospital in the cardiac unit, Los Gatos Community Hospital, The Women’s Cancer Center in Los Gatos and several home health and hospice agencies. Carol founded Family Matters in 2002 to fill a deficit she witnessed in high-quality, in-home services and care.