Approximately 773,000 Americans have orthopedic surgery each year. After joint repair and replacement surgery, special orthopedic care and some lifestyle and environment adjustments are required in order to help with the recovery process.
What to Expect:
Those who have received or scheduled surgery to repair or replace a joint are familiar with the pain and stiffness that triggered the need for surgery. Post-surgery, the patient is likely to experience some discomfort, weakness, and reduced range of motion. However, with the right therapy program, greater mobility and comfort with the new joint can be expected.
Some environment and lifestyle changes that can be expected during orthopedic care include:
- Physical therapy and exercise programs to increase strength and mobility
- Using a walker or crutches during the healing process
- Modifying the home to prevent falls
- Being on medication for pain and swelling
While there is no set time limit for recovery from orthopedic surgery, adhering to the physician’s care and treatment regimen can help with managing pain and symptoms and speed the healing process along.
Orthopedic Home Care:
It often takes several months for patients who have had orthopedic surgery to heal, and with limited mobility, home care can be very important in their lives. In-home care can help orthopedic patients perform activities of daily living while they focus on healing and therapy.
Aunt Ann’s Home Care in San Francisco has a staff of qualified, professional caregivers who can provide hourly or live-in care for clients in need of orthopedic care. Additionally, Aunt Ann’s certified home health aides and certified nurse’s aides can provide services such as:
- Home modifications to help clients move throughout their home easier
- Personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming, etc.)
- Transportation to and from doctors’ appointments
- Medication reminders
Talking to the Doctor:
When recovering from orthopedic surgery, the doctor will schedule several follow-up visits throughout the year to assess the status of recovery. Some questions to ask include:
- What types of pain treatments are available?
- Will any of the pain medication interfere with the healing process?
- What type of physical therapy/exercise do I need to do to regain strength and function?
- Will you be in contact with my physical therapist?
- When can I resume weight-bearing activity?
In addition, discuss with the doctor what precautions to take in order to prevent re-injury of the joint.
Services to Consider:
Recovering from orthopedic surgery can be challenging, but having assistance around the home can help patients receive the rest and reassurance they need in order to heal. At Aunt Ann’s Home Care, we provide a wide variety of in-home care services to help our clients maintain a high quality of life in the home as they recover. Through our experience in caring for clients with orthopedic care needs, we have found that the following services are ones to consider:
- Personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming)
- Housekeeping, transportation to and from treatments, etc.
- Home modifications
- Medication reminders
- Respite care to relieve family caregivers
At Aunt Ann’s Home Care, we can tailor a specific plan of in-home care to meet each client’s individual needs.
Resources:
If you would like more information about orthopedic care, we have compiled a few well-known, professional resources that we hope will help you learn more about orthopedics and orthopedic surgery recovery.
The American Journal of Orthopedics
(http://www.amjorthopedics.com/)
OrthopaedicCare.net
(http://www.orthopaediccare.net/)
Orthogate
