For weeks, your mom has had hip pain throughout the day and night. She can’t sleep comfortably. It’s a struggle for her to lift her leg. She’s tried exercises and physical therapy and it hasn’t helped. These are all reasons her doctor may decide a hip replacement is necessary.
After a hip replacement surgery, your mom is going to need time to recover. During that time, she’ll need support from her family, friends, and even caregivers. Prior to the surgery, talk to a home care agency about the services a caregiver can offer your mom as she heals.
Recovery Can Take Four to Six Months
-Following the surgery, your mom will probably stay in the hospital bed for a few days. After that, her medical team will monitor her as she learns to use a walker for support. After the third day, she may be allowed to go home, but she needs help at home.
-For approximately two weeks after the surgery, your mom’s incision will be healing. She may need to you get her ice packs. She may have a bandage that needs to be kept clean and dry.
-For a few days, your mom won’t be able to go far. She will need help getting in and out of the shower. She’s going to need help getting dressed. You may even find she needs a supportive hand when getting up from a recliner or out of bed.
What will she need?
-While she heals, she’ll need foods on hand that are easy to cook. She’s going to need rides to and from the doctor’s. She’s going to need help doing housework, changing sheets, and doing a load of laundry. Assistance with these activities of daily living is usually necessary for the first month following the surgery. After the sixth week, she’ll probably be allowed to drive again, if she is legally allowed to drive.
-For the 12 months after your mom’s hip replacements, she will need to see her surgeon frequently. Typical time spans are a three-week check, followed by six weeks, three months, six months, and then at the year mark. Make sure someone is available to drive her to appointments when she cannot.
Caring for your mom following her hip replacement may be challenging if you work or have children. This is where home care is very beneficial. While you’re taking care of tasks you must complete, your mom is in the care of a professional. She’ll have the help she needs for a stress-free recovery. Call a home care agency to arrange a time to discuss your mom’s needs.