Senior Health: Severe arthritis pain led to your dad needing knee surgery.
The knee joint replacement is scheduled. Before he undergoes surgery, make sure you’ve considered having elder care aides available to help him during the recovery period. It will make sure he heals properly and quickly with better senior health.
What Happens During a Knee Surgery
During a knee replacement surgery, the damaged surfaces in the joint are removed. A prosthetic replaces the areas that have been removed. The incision is sutured or stapled, and a drain may be inserted. Bandages are added once the incision is closed.
Your dad will spend a few hours or days in the hospital. This decision is often based on how well he does during the surgery. If he has the support needed for his recovery at home, he may be allowed to go home the same day. When he is discharged, he’ll have exercises to do at home to help strengthen the new joint.
How Elder Care Aides Help Out
As your dad heals, he may need to be careful how much strain he puts on the stitches. He may not be allowed to shower or bathe for a few days. Someone needs to make sure he follows the surgeon’s instructions.
Some of the things he’ll need to do during the recovery include icing the knee and keeping it elevated to reduce swelling. He needs to take pain relievers as needed for pain. If he’s likely to forget when he last took a pill, an elder care aide can help him with medication reminders.
He’s not allowed to drive until the doctor is sure his knee is functioning correctly. This can take several weeks or months. With transportation services from caregivers, he has help getting to appointments, running errands, and going shopping.
While he’s limiting the use of his knee, caregivers can do his housework.
They can vacuum, wash dishes, and wipe down sinks and counters. He’s not going to be able to use stairs yet. If his laundry room is on another level, he’ll need caregivers to wash and dry his clothes, towels, and bedding.
Your dad isn’t going to be able to get his mail if it’s a long walk to the mailbox. Caregivers can help with that, too. They can sort the mail, bring him the items he needs to look at, and set aside bills wherever he keeps them.
As soon as you have a surgery date, make arrangements for senior care. That way, you have time for your dad to ask the specialist any questions he may have, and he might be able to interview the caregivers who work with him. It makes a move to elder care services go smoothly and ensures better senior health.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Senior Care in Sun City, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Blessings for Seniors Companion Care at (623) 594-0819
Blessings for Seniors makes it possible for older adults to enjoy the comforts of their own home for as long as possible. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as; Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans’ Home Care program.
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