Assisted Living Facility Benefits For Post-Hip Replacement Patients

29 November 2022
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If you recently had surgery to replace a hip, you may be unable to live by yourself until you are completely healed. Living alone after a major surgical procedure such as a total hip replacement may place you at risk for falling or other in-home accidents. Because of this, you may want to talk to your physician about the benefits of transferring to an assisted living facility while you recover. Here are some ways the assisted living staff can help promote healing after your hip surgery so that you can live more independently. 

Restorative Therapy Services

The physical and occupational therapy staff members at an assisted facility can provide restorative services to people who have recently undergone hip replacement surgery. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and physical rehab are restorative services that can build muscle, strengthen the structures that surround your new hip joint, enhance mobility, decrease pain, and increase post-operative range of motion.

Physical therapy and occupational therapy are typically recommended for up to a couple of months, however, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend a shorter or longer therapy regimen depending on your level of fitness, age, preexisting conditions, and cognitive function.

Subcutaneous Anticoagulant Therapy

After major procedures such as total joint replacement surgeries, standard medical protocol often calls for subcutaneous anticoagulant therapy, which is recommended to help lower the risk for postoperative blood clots. The nursing staff can administer the anticoagulant injections directly into the subcutaneous tissue of your abdomen to help keep your blood from clotting too quickly and forming a thrombus that could potentially travel to the lungs and heart.

The assisted living staff will also monitor the effects of your post-hip replacement anticoagulant therapy such as excessive bruising, abnormal bleeding, anemia, shortness of breath, and the formation of tiny purple dots on the skin known as petechiae. If any of the anticoagulant side effects are noticed, the nurse will contact your doctor.

After you have completed the entire course of your subcutaneous anticoagulant therapy your surgeon will change the route of administration from subcutaneous to oral. This means that you will not need the anticoagulant injections anymore, and instead, you will be able to take your anticoagulant medication in pill form. 

If you are anticipating an upcoming hip replacement surgical procedure, talk to your surgeon about recuperating in an assisted living facility. When your receive restorative services and subcutaneous anticoagulation therapy soon after your hip replacement surgery you may be more likely to enjoy an excellent prognosis.

For more information on assisted living, contact a facility near you.