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Senior Care

Hip replacement surgery is usually performed on seniors above the age of sixty. Typically, people undergo the procedure when problems with their hip interfere with their normal activities. The problem can be mainly due to severe pain caused by arthritic conditions. The deterioration in bone health can be so serious that it can affect the mobility of the person. It can be very difficult for seniors to feel independent at home when they are suffering from mobility problems.

After a hip replacement surgery, the home becomes a very significant part of the life of a person and can help the person return to normal life. The senior care team and caregivers play an important role in the recovery of the person after the hip replacement surgery.

Caregivers Can Let Seniors Focus On Healing 

With the support of an elder caregiver, the senior will be able to focus on healing. Even though hip replacement is major surgery, the person will be able to return to their normal life in time. The senior care or assisted living team should prepare the caregiver for the things to expect during the healing of the hip replacement surgery.

The senior should focus on getting stronger and this can include pain management and taking part in regular exercise in a moderate way to make the muscles around the hip region stronger. Seniors recovering from hip replacement may experience post-surgical problems like infection, complications, or blood clots and the caregiver should be aware of this. In addition, caregivers should help seniors with additional activities of daily living. This is because the hip has to heal completely before the person can return to typical routines and activities.

Hip Replacement Recovery Starts At Home 

Much of the healing after hip replacement surgery takes place at home. This is done in conjunction with rehab appointments and doctor visits. Caregivers should set up the home of the senior before the person even goes into surgery. This includes ensuring an environment that is easy and comfortable for the senior to maneuvre, setting up a care network to help the caregiver with the daily activities, etc.

The doctor of the senior will be able to offer an extensive list, but some of the most common things that can be done to prepare are:

• Keep walking aids like walkers or crutches ready.
• Remove things in the home that can make the senior person trip and fall.
• Consider things like installing a bench in the shower.
• Make the senior spend the recovery time on the ground floor. This will help avoid stairs.