Has your elderly parent’s doctor suggested they have a total hip replacement? This can seem like an overwhelming prospect, but you’ll be able to make better decisions and support your aging mom or dad when you know more about the procedure as well as the steps toward recovery. Many elderly adults have hip replacement surgery but the ones that have the smoothest recovery are those with a strong support network of family members, elder care assistants, physical therapists and community senior organizations.
Some of the most common reasons why elderly adults get hip replacement surgery include arthritis, fractures, bone tumors and bone diseases like osteoporosis. Surgery may be ruled out if the elderly person is in overall frail health or they have health conditions that cause muscle weakness or they have a high risk of infection. In this case, the elderly adult may have to rely on walking aides such as a walker, plus physical therapy and medicine. However, if your aging parent is a good candidate for the surgery, they should see good results at the end of the recovery period.
Your mom or dad will spend a few days in the hospital following the hip surgery. They’ll be visited by a number of medical experts, like a respiratory therapist, physical therapist and even an occupational therapist. Within a few days, they will get help in doing some exercises, sit on the edge of the bed and even walk a few steps under the direction of the doctor and the physical therapist. Before they are discharged, the doctor will go over what you need to do to care for your elder parent properly.
Once they are back at home, your elder mom or dad will need lots of help. They won’t be very mobile and will need assistance with many basic activities. Many families hire an elder care assistant to work with the elderly adult on things like bathing, toileting, dressing and more. Because they will be so restricted in their movements for the first several weeks, the elderly adult will need plenty of help to make a strong recovery. A good diet, plenty of fluids and attention to medication can help make your elderly parent as comfortable as possible.
A major factor in an elderly person’s successful rehabilitation after hip replacement surgery is how well they do in physical therapy. The physical therapist teaches the elder how to move properly and how to build up muscles around the hip. Core strength and improved balance will also help the elderly patient recovery. An occupational therapist generally visits with your elder parent to help them adjust to doing things around the home. They give the seniors the tools and techniques they need to be as self-sufficient as possible without hurting their new hip.
The more active your aging mom or dad is, the better their recovery should be. While a total hip replacement can be a painful thing to endure, once the recovery time is over they can start to enjoy the activities and events they did before.
Source: https://www.verywell.com/physical-therapy-after-total-hip-replacement-2696488
If you or an aging loved one are in need of Elder Services in Plainview NY or the surrounding areas, contact the caring professionals at Star Multi Care Services today at (631)956-8835. We are the Right Choice for Home Health Care Services!
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