Is Your Loved One Scheduled For Knee Replacement Surgery? Steps You Should Take To Assist Them With Their Recovery
If your loved one is going to be having total knee replacement surgery, and you'll be their caregiver during the recovery period, it's important that you prepare yourself for the process. Your loved one is going to be incapacitated for at least a few weeks, and will require your assistance for a majority of their care. While you're awaiting the day of their surgery, here are some steps you can take to help your loved one recover comfortably and safely.
Make Sure Your Home is Prepared
When your loved one comes home, they're going to need a safe place to recover. That means you'll need to get the house ready for them. The first thing you should do is clear a path throughout the house. Remove anything that could pose a trip and fall risk for your loved one. It's also a good idea to remove anything that your loved one could run into with their knee once they're able to walk. Be sure to arrange an area where they can rest comfortably.
Order Durable Medical Goods
Your loved one is going to require a few medical supplies, and durable medical goods, during the recovery period. It's important that you order those prior to their surgery. That will ensure that they're available as soon as your loved one returns home from surgery. Some of the items your loved one may require will include a crutches, a walker, and grab bars near the toilet. It's also a good idea to purchase additional pillows to use as support under your loved ones knee following surgery.
Get Training in Their After-Care Needs
Following surgery, your loved one is going to need assistance with their wound care. They may also require help with their medication. Try to arrange an appointment with their doctor so that you can receive training. Obtaining training from your loved ones doctor will ensure that you know how to take care of the wound dressings that your loved one will require. It will also ensure that you know how to safely administer their medication.
Arrange for Additional Help
While you're caring for your loved one following knee surgery, you're going to need some extra help for yourself. Arrange to have additional help come into the house at least several times a week. Your helpers will be able to do the shopping and cleaning for you. The extra help will ensure that you're able to care for the needs of your loved one.
