Home care specialists provide support and assistance as your loved one returns home after being hospitalized for a total hip and total knee replacements.
The Facts About Home Care
What Is Home Care?
Home care is a more personalized alternative to nursing homes and assisted living facilities. It provides services such as personal care, homemaking, companionship, and more to individuals living at home, so they can remain comfortable and independent for as long as possible.
Home Care vs. Home Health
Home health is typically short-term medical services administered in the home to treat an illness or injury. This type of medical assistance is usually provided by a registered nurse, physical, occupational, or speech therapist. Home care agencies are often requested to provide supplemental care as the patient transitions.
Who is a Good Candidate for Home Care?
Home care can be beneficial for those who are getting older, are chronically ill, are recovering from surgery, or are disabled. Perhaps your loved one needs assistance with day-to-day tasks but does not need to be in a nursing home or hospital. Home care could be the right fit for them.
What Types of Home Care Services Are Available?
Home care looks different for everyone. Every individual’s needs are unique, we tailor our home care to fit those needs. Depending on what your loved one’s needs are, caregiving services can be available 24-hours a day or a few hours each week.
Examples Of Home Care Assistance:
Personal care:
Bathing, Grooming, Dressing
Toileting and Incontinence
Medication Reminders
Mobility Assistance
Repositioning to Avoid Bedsores
Transportation to and from Medical Appointments
Homemaking:
Grocery Shopping, Cooking, and Clean-up
Errands and Shopping
Transportation
Light Housekeeping, Laundry and Ironing
Changing Bed Linens
Pet and Plant Care
Companionship:
Conversation
Reading Aloud
Hobbies and Projects
Outings and Events
Morning Wake-Up & Evening Tuck-In
Assistance with Attending Religious Services
Home Care Interventions For Patients Discharged After Total Hip And Total Knee Replacements
The readmission rate within 30 days after hip and knee replacement in 2013 was 34 for every 1,000 patients. While readmission rates are low, it is still essential to take precautions to prevent readmission to the hospital. Home care can help after hip and knee surgery, so readmission is less likely.
Caregivers By WholeCare uses evidence-based practices that are proven to reduce the risk of readmission and promote the health of those who have recently had total hip and total knee replacements:
Transportation
Most patients cannot drive for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, and some individuals will not be able to drive past the 6-week mark. Additionally, some people on certain medications, such as narcotics, should not drive at all. Home care specialists can help with transportation by driving them to and from doctor appointments, social gatherings, running errands, and more. (source)
Physical Activity Assistance
Those who have had a hip or knee replacement need to watch for swelling and reduce the risk of blood clots in the veins of their legs. Basic exercises, such as walking, will help maintain blood flow. A home care specialist can walk with patients and remind them to do their physical therapy exercises. Something as simple as pumping feet up and down 20 times per hour can help reduce blood clots.
Medication Reminders
Some individuals are placed on Aspirin or Coumadin to thin their blood and reduce the risk of blood clots forming. They could also be prescribed antibiotics to protect the joint replacement from infection. Caregivers can help keep medications straight and remind patients of the proper timing and dosage to take.
Home Care Tip
Home care is a valuable option for an individual who desires to maintain their independence and continue their life in the comfort of their home. A study done by the AARP showed that 90% of individuals over age 65 want to stay at home as long as possible.