Nurse holding the hand of a patient in bed

Hip surgeries, especially hip replacements, are one of the most common surgeries among seniors. While there are many benefits to having this surgery done, it can be a complicated recovery process for the patient. Many patients often rely on in-home care from loved ones after their surgery, including assistance with daily living activities and motivation. If your loved one is having hip surgery and you’re wondering how to help, here are some ideas from Dignity Home Health and Hospice.

Talk with the nurse or doctor

While your loved one is in recovery in the hospital, it’s always a good idea to talk with the nurse or doctor to receive instruction on caring for your loved one at home. Since the patient will be coming home with an open wound, they will teach you to watch for specific warning signs and show you how to care for the incision.

Professional healthcare providers can also give you instructions on how to safely move your loved one, how much they should stay active, and how you can help them safely bathe and complete other daily activities.

You’ll also receive instructions regarding any medication you need to administer and how to handle any follow-up appointments.

Prepare the home

Preparation can go a long way toward an easy recovery at home. First, start by ensuring that your loved one will have easy access to a bathroom during the recovery process and that they will not have to go up or down any stairs during recovery. Consider installing safety bars and an elevated toilet seat in the bathroom to simplify toileting and showering. Ensure that any stairway handrails are secure, and remove any tripping hazards from the area.

Plan on getting crutches, a walker, or a cane to assist your loved one in the recovery process. Ensure your loved one has a stable chair with stable armrests and firm cushions that allow the knees to remain lower than the hips. Set up a recovery zone where your loved one can move around freely if they’d like, and include a small table for essential supplies. Setting up a designated healing area can make a huge difference in your loved one’s ability to recover comfortably in their home.

Importance of physical therapy

Establishing a physical therapy routine is common after hip surgery. Physical therapists will work with your loved one to show them how to perform exercises that strengthen the muscles in the hip area. Some physical therapists make house visits to assist in this recovery, while others require an office visit. Transporting your loved one to and from physical therapy appointments is something you will need to consider and plan for in the recovery process.

In addition, your loved one will need to perform physical therapy exercises at home on a routine basis and may need your help to practice them correctly. As the primary caregiver for your loved one, it’s essential to encourage them to perform the exercises as it ensures the best possible healing outcome.

Hire an in-home caregiver

Being a caregiver for a patient who recently had hip surgery can be time intensive and might not fit your schedule. If you need help with your loved one who recently had hip surgery, hiring in home care services for seniors is an option that works wonders for many.

Dignity Home Health and Hospice offers various home health services ideal for patients recovering from hip surgery. We can quickly assess what services your loved one will need and tailor a plan specific to their conditions. Our in-home care services include physical therapy, wound care, medication management, assistance with daily living skills, hospital aftercare, and more.

Hiring in-home care for your loved one helps provide comfort, ensures faster recovery time, and offers personalized care that will quickly get them back on their feet.

Dignity Home Health and Hospice Provides In-Home Care Services for Seniors

Assisting a loved one through the recovery process after hip surgery can be time-intensive. At Dignity, we’re proud to provide in-home care services for seniors that help patients through recovery, providing comfort and quality care that ensures a faster recovery. If you or a loved one is planning on having hip replacement surgery, consider Dignity Home Health and Hospice for personalized in-home care.