Over time, a painful hip joint may grow from irritating to unbearable. When hip pain becomes persistent and interferes with mobility, a doctor might recommend a total hip replacement. A partial hip replacement involves replacing the damaged hip ball, while a total hip replacement requires both a new ball and socket. The type of hip replacement a healthcare provider recommends depends on the reason for the replacement, such as arthritis or injury. Consider these important facts about total hip replacement.
1. Total Hip Replacement Surgery Is Usually Successful
Total hip replacement surgery is considered one of the most successful types of surgery. Over the years, surgical techniques have gotten better, which means seniors often recover more quickly. Smaller incisions, better infection control, and getting seniors up and walking as soon as possible contribute to successful surgical outcomes.
Due to limited mobility, seniors may need help with daily tasks in the initial days after hip replacement surgery. Senior home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to aging adults on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers may help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
2. People of All Ages Have Hip Replacement Surgery
When you hear “total hip replacement,” do you think of older adults? Anyone may be a candidate for hip replacement surgery, including teens or young adults who have juvenile arthritis or those injured in accidents or during athletic events. Anyone who endures hip pain that limits routine activities or who cannot get pain relief from medication or physical therapy may be a candidate for total hip replacement.
3. Total Hip Replacement Surgery May Reduce Pain Dramatically
The idea of cutting into the hip area and replacing both the ball and socket may give some people pause when a healthcare provider recommends surgery. However, after the surgery is over and the individual heals, he or she usually experiences a marked reduction in pain and regains the ability to move freely and perform everyday activities without being deterred by severe hip pain.
Providing care for an aging adult who’s recovering after surgery may be challenging for a family caregiver to manage alone. For some families, caring for a senior loved one may be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they may rely on professional elderly home care. Northern Kentucky, Assisting Hands Home Care is a trusted name in senior home care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break.
4.Total Hip Replacement Surgery Usually Doesn’t Take Long
Although total hip replacement is major surgery, it’s not a procedure that has family members pacing the hallways while their loved ones spend all day in surgery. Unless there are complications, the procedure typically takes one to two hours to complete. As with any surgery, there will be some time spent in recovery after the procedure.
5. Recovery after Total Hip Replacement Tends to Go Smoothly
Usually, a physical therapist will get the senior up and walking by the day after the surgery. It’s important to follow discharge instructions after total hip replacement surgery. Once the individual goes home, nurses and physical therapists usually visit. After having total hip replacements, seniors may resume light activity after about three weeks.
Recovering seniors must be careful while moving around to avoid damaging the staples or stitches used to close their incisions. Careful walking and exercising as directed by a physical therapist may help with healing. Taking blood thinners as prescribed, modifying the diet, and wearing compression stockings may prevent dangerous blood clots. Taking pain medication as prescribed and only when necessary may help older adults avoid getting addicted. Older adults and others who live alone may benefit from having in-home caregivers help them with the tasks involved in recovering after surgery.
Receiving professional in-home care may help your loved one recover more quickly and efficiently. Families looking for top-rated Northern Kentucky senior care providers may reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care of Northern Kentucky. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we may make life easier for seniors and their loved ones. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at (859) 328-2656.
