In the first few weeks after your loved one returns home from a complete hip replacement, he or she will need around-the-clock care. Without the proper care, your loved one could suffer a complication, such as blood clots or dislocation of the artificial ball and socket. If you are responsible for overseeing your loved one's care after a hip replacement, here are some tips to use.  

Prepare the Home

Before your loved one returns home, take some time to make modifications to his or her living area. The modifications will not only make it easier to care for him or her, but also make it easier for your loved one to start to regain some of his or her independence as the recovery process progresses.  

Preparations should center on making sure everything that you and your loved one need for his or her care is within reach. For instance, lower the bed so that he or she can get in and out of the bed easier. You should also consider obtaining a portable commode for use until your loved one is better able to walk.  

If your loved one's bathroom does not have safety equipment installed, such as grab bars and non-slip suction mats, now is the time to obtain them. A slip could prove to be particularly hazardous for your loved one. 

Contract With a Home Nursing Service

A nurse has extensive knowledge of your loved one's conditions and what his or her needs will be. A nurse can also serve as a patient advocate. He or she can either prepare you to ask questions about your loved one's health or talk directly to the doctor.  

A nurse can also help to monitor your loved one's recovery. If there are signs of complications or problems, the nurse can take action and consult with the doctor to prevent the complications from worsening.  

Most importantly, the nurse can help ensure your loved one is doing his or her exercises that are necessary for recovery and part of the physical therapy regimen. Without fully committing to the exercises, your loved one's range of motion and flexibility could be impacted.  

There are other steps you can take to keep your loved one's recovery moving forward. Work with professionals, such as a home nurse and your loved one's doctor, to learn what else you and your family can do to help your loved one get back on his or her feet.

Share