Supporting a Loved One During Total Hip Replacement Surgery Baltimore

Orthopedic surgeries are among the most common and safest operations performed today in the United States.  This year, over 300,ooo people will have a total hip replacement surgery Baltimore.  That number is more than double the number of these procedures that were performed in the year 2000.  It is believed that the increase in the number of surgeries performed is due to advances in medical technology that have made recovery so much easier.  Therefore, many friends and loved ones are in the position of supporting a patient who is receiving a total hip replacement surgery Baltimore MD (https://www.medstarunionortho.org).  This short article is intended to help these support persons think about how to help effectively.

Helping the total hip replacement surgery patient

Don't wait until it is time for your friend or loved one to be discharged from the hospital to start thinking about organizing their recovery.  There are many things that can be done before surgery to make things go smoothly after discharge.  The first few days and weeks after discharge can be more stressful than expected.

• Most orthopedic surgery facilities offer some educational programs designed to help surgery patients know what to expect throughout the procedure and recovery.  If you can, accompany the patient to these events and help them gather literature and take notes.  Having as much information as possible will make you a better support for them.
• Discuss with the patient what can realistically happen after discharge.  Your friend or relative may want to go directly home.  If you and other members of your circle have fairly open availability to help them, it may be possible.  Going home may also be possible for folks who have arranged some assistance from a home care agency.  In either case, the recovery support plan needs to be in place before discharge.  Those who cannot assemble a sufficient support system at home will need to be discharged to a rehabilitation facility until they are able to care for themselves.
• Most hip replacement patients are not able to drive for a few weeks after surgery.  Transportation options should be explored as a part of discharge planning.  Can you be available as a driver?  If not, a trial run with a taxi company or private transportation service would be in order as a part of planning.