Hip/Knee Replacement Recovery

After a hip replacement, most individuals enjoy freedom of movement they haven’t had for a long time, regaining strength with every step. Provided they follow the recovery plan designed by their healthcare team, most patients progress daily.

How can Sta-home Help?

1. Preparation for the procedure and recovery.
Planning and mental preparation, for patient and family, should begin well before the surgery takes place to ensure a smooth journey home and, eventually, to complete recovery.

There are many details to consider. Fortunately, Sta-home can help you plan ahead. We routinely prepare patients and their families for this type of procedure, and our team will be familiar with each patient's situation before surgery even begins.

Our initial in-home assessment can determine whether any equipment is necessary for making the home safer and easier for the patient to live in — a vital step for making a smooth transition home.

2. Teaching safe mobility.
During the first month home, safe mobility is the primary concern. Sta-home provides both clinical and emotional support during this time. Educating patients and family members is an important part of the process, especially concerning home safety.

Home safety is a critical issue that Sta-home will address immediately. Sometimes, modifications need to be made in the home, particularly in the bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom.

Some frequently made safety suggestions are:

• Make sure walkways are clear and wide enough to walk through, even with a walker.
• Remove throw rugs.
• Make sure there are no holes or uneven spots in carpeting.
• All areas, particularly stairways and walkways, should be well lit.
• Stairways should have a sturdy railing on each side.
• All regularly used items and appliances should be easy to reach and operate.
• Bathrooms may need to be equipped with raised toilet seats and grab bars.
• Carts can be used to help move items from one room to the next.

The staff from Sta-home can make these and other recommendations and also encourage the patient to develop a "think before you move" awareness, to help avoid accidents and problems.

In addition, Sta-home therapists teach exercises to increase strength and endurance. The Sta-home staff also teaches patients to perform daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and getting in and out of cars, often with the assistance of devices like shower benches, sock aids, reachers, canes, and walkers.

3. Nursing care and therapy to speed recovery.
When home care is prescribed, the Sta-home team works closely with the patient's doctor. The home health care team may include a nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech pathologist, home health aide, and medical social worker, depending on a patient's individual needs.

Nurses from Sta-home monitor the patient's physical condition, checking the surgical wound and looking out for signs of complications. In the meantime, Sta-home provides therapists who work to increase strength, flexibility, and ambulatory ability. Regular exercise as outlined by the therapists speeds recovery. Therapists also help the patient learn how to perform everyday activities safely while recovering and adapting to the new hip or knee.