8 Tips to Help a Loved One Prepare for Hip Replacement Surgery

If your loved one is getting ready for hip replacement surgery, you probably have a lot of questions. This joint replacement surgery, also called arthroplasty, can greatly improve mobility and reduce hip pain, but preparing for it is important. 

From talking to their health care provider to setting up their home for recovery, there are many ways you can help.

Here are eight essential tips to make their hip surgery experience smoother.

Key Takeaways

• Learning about hip replacement surgery, including risks and recovery steps, can help ease fears and clear up confusion.
• Being in good shape before surgery, adjusting medications, and preparing the home can make recovery safer and easier.
• Having a support system, following pre-surgery instructions, and managing pain well can help with healing and mobility.
• Watching for complications, using assistive tools, and creating a safe home can help your loved one regain independence.

1. Learn About the Surgery

Understanding what to expect during surgery can ease fears. Encourage your loved one to ask their orthopedic surgeon or health care team about:

• The type of prosthesis being used
• The risk of complications, such as blood clots, dislocation, or infection
• Their expected hospital stay and whether the procedure will be outpatient or inpatient
• Recovery steps, including physical therapy and home care

Reading patient education materials and speaking with orthopaedic surgeons can help clear up any confusion.

2. Improve Their Health Before Surgery

Being in good shape before hip replacement surgery can help with recovery time and lower the risk of infection.

If recommended, even small weight loss can reduce stress on the new joint.

Some blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs may need to be paused before surgery, so check with the primary care doctor. Your loved one may also need blood tests, an x-ray, or an electrocardiogram (ECG) to ensure they’re ready.

Certain supplements might need to be stopped as well since they can affect blood supply and healing.

3. Make the Home Safe for Recovery

After surgery, moving around can be difficult, so setting up the home in advance is essential.

To prevent falls, remove tripping hazards like loose rugs and electrical cords. Keep essentials within easy reach to minimize bending or stretching. In the bathroom, a raised toilet seat and shower chair can provide extra support.

Assistive tools like a reacher and long-handled shoehorn will also help with daily activities.

4. Arrange for Post-Surgery Support

Your loved one will need help with daily activities after total hip replacement, especially in the first few weeks.

Since they won’t be able to drive, arranging transportation for doctor’s appointments and errands is important. Preparing meals, managing pain medication, and assisting with household tasks like laundry and cleaning can also make recovery easier.

Whether it’s a caregiver or a family member helping out, having a support system in place will ensure a smoother transition home.

5. Start Pre-Surgery Exercises

Strengthening muscles before hip surgery can improve recovery. A physical therapist can recommend exercises to build strength in the hip joint and surrounding muscles.

Good exercises may include:

• Leg raises
• Gentle stretching
• Water therapy

If your loved one has osteoarthritis, regular movement before surgery can help keep their joints as strong as possible.

6. Prepare for the Day of Surgery

The day of surgery can feel overwhelming, but being prepared makes a big difference.

Your loved one should follow any fasting instructions from their health care provider, pack essentials like comfortable clothes, ID, and insurance cards, and review their advance directives to ensure their medical preferences are clear.

A little planning now will help the day go much more smoothly.

7. Help Manage Pain and Recovery

Pain is normal after orthopaedic surgery, but managing it well can speed up healing.

Ice packs help with swelling, pain medication keeps discomfort under control, and physical therapy restores home mobility. Encouraging your loved one to follow their health care team’s instructions will set them up for a smoother recovery.

8. Watch for Signs of Complications

Most people recover well from knee replacement surgery and hip replacement surgery, but problems can still arise. Keep an eye out for:

• Swelling, redness, or warmth around the incision (could indicate infection)
• Severe pain that doesn’t improve
• Shortness of breath or leg swelling (could signal blood clots)

If any of these symptoms appear, contact their health care provider right away.

Make Recovery Safer and Easier

At California Mobility, we understand how important it is to create a safe and accessible home after surgery. We offer stair lifts, ramps, and home elevators to help your loved one move around comfortably and regain independence.

If you’re looking for solutions to make their recovery easier, we’re here to help.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you and your family during this time.