Knee surgery has become fairly common, but that doesn’t mean your older family member won’t be nervous about it in the days before the procedure is scheduled. One way to ease their nervousness is to help them prepare for the surgery. Home care providers can assist older adults in the days leading up to knee surgery in many ways, including the 5 listed below.
#1: Transportation to Appointments
Home Care in Burbank, CA: Preparing for Knee Replacement
There may be multiple appointments prior to the surgery for planning purposes and lab work. For seniors who aren’t able to drive, getting to these appointments may be difficult or even impossible. Fortunately, home care providers can offer transportation to the senior’s appointments, ensuring they have the information they need about the surgery and have received all of the necessary care to increase the chances of a successful outcome.
#2: Lose Weight
Seniors who are overweight will benefit from some weight loss prior to the surgery. Weighing less means placing less pressure on the recovering knee. In addition, it means less weight the older adult will have to support using crutches or a walker. A home care provider can assist with weight loss by preparing healthy meals that are lower in calories. Home care providers can also help the senior to exercise by walking with them or driving them to the local pool to swim.
#3: Organize Information
It’s a good idea for the older adult to have all of their insurance information and a few other things in order before going to the hospital. The senior should be prepared to share a complete list of their medications with hospital staff, including any supplements or over-the-counter medications they use. The primary family caregiver may also want to have a list of contact information for anyone they will need to contact with updates about the senior’s condition. A home care provider can assist the senior to collect the necessary information and compile a list of people they would like to receive information about their condition.
#4: Stock Up
Because the older adult will have some difficulty getting around easily for some time after the surgery, they might want to stock up on some items, including toiletries and a few groceries. A home care provider can take the senior shopping to get whatever they need before surgery.
#5: Packing for the Hospital
The senior may be in the hospital for a couple of days after the surgery, so it’s a good idea to bring along some comfort items. A home care provider can help them to pack comfortable, easy to put on clothing to wear home from the hospital as well as some things they may want in the hospital, like a book to read, slippers, etc.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering home care in Burbank, CA please contact the caring staff at Nu Care Inc. today at. 800-505-6890
Sources
https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/knee-replacement-18/knee-surgery-prepare
https://www.arthritis-health.com/surgery/knee-surgery/how-prepare-total-knee-replacement