[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Having been my mom’s caregiver, when she had her posterior approach hip replacement at 88 years old, I know a thing, or two, about what you can expect it to be like, and how much help the patient is going to need.<\/p>\n
After an anterior approach hip replacement, you may typically need help for 7 to 10 days at home with some tasks.<\/strong><\/p>\n After a posterior, or lateral, approach hip replacement, you will typically need help with many tasks for 2 to 4 weeks.<\/strong><\/p>\n The reason for this difference, with regard to requiring a carer, is due to the surgical procedures for the posterior and lateral approach hip replacements, which involve detaching tendons and muscles to place the implant in the joint, leaving the hip joint less stable after surgery, for a period of time.<\/p>\n Because of this instability, the patient has to follow a whole slew of precautions, which are not typically followed after an anterior hip replacement, where the surgery is minimally invasive and far less soft tissue is cut.<\/p>\n After a posterior, or lateral, approach hip replacement, you are not allowed to bend your hip more than 90 degrees, making numerous daily activities very difficult to accomplish without help.<\/p>\n You have to take the precautions due to a small risk of a hip dislocation, during the recovery period.<\/p>\n At the outset, I emphasized the fact that my mom was 88 years old when she had her hip replacement. I did this as the age of the patient has a huge impact on the speed, and manner, in which they will recover,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_toggle title=”CONTENTS – Overview & Quick Links” open=”on” open_toggle_text_color=”#005bdb” icon_color=”#005bdb” open_icon_color=”#005bdb” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#005bdb” body_ul_font=”||||||||” body_ul_text_color=”#59bdd6″ background_color=”rgba(190,229,247,0.47)” border_radii=”on|7px|7px|7px|7px” border_color_all=”#002ae5″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Do I need someone to stay with me after hip replacement surgery ?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Activities for which a carer may be needed after posterior and lateral approach hip replacements<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Caring for an elderly person after a posterior hip replacement<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n What do you need at home after a hip replacement ? Let’s think ahead and set things up<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Equipment needed after hip replacement surgery<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Toilet hygiene after a hip replacement<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n How long before you can walk after hip replacement surgery ?<\/a> How long before you can shower after hip replacement surgery ?<\/a> How long before you can take a bath after hip replacement surgery ?<\/a> How long before you can immerse your incision in water after hip replacement surgery ?<\/a> How many weeks should you ice your hip after hip replacement surgery ?<\/a> When can I bend down after a hip replacement ?<\/a> When can I kneel down after a hip replacement ?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n How long does it take to walk unaided after hip replacement surgery ?<\/a> How long do you need to use a raised toilet seat after hip replacement surgery ?<\/a> How long before you can sit in a normal chair after hip replacement surgery ?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n How long before you can drive after hip replacement surgery ?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n How long before you can have intercourse after hip replacement surgery ?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n How long before you can go swimming after hip replacement surgery ?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”carerstay” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you have had an anterior approach hip replacement<\/strong>, and you are in good health, fit, and are not very elderly, you may require some help in the very beginning of their recovery period.<\/p>\n Most surgeons, and clinics, advise that after an anterior approach hip replacement, the patient has some form of help for 7 to 10 days.<\/strong><\/p>\n For the first week, after surgery, you may need a walker to help you balance, and get used to the new hip, and if that is so, you will probably need help with quite a lot of things around the house.<\/p>\n Most people will be able to dress on their own<\/strong>, and if there is pain, they will be advised to use assistive devices to make it easier, but as there are typically no precautions for bending, it is not usually a problem.<\/p>\n Washing and cooking may be difficult for the first week, or two<\/strong>, and you may need someone to help you with this.<\/p>\n Driving<\/strong> in some cases after an anterior hip replacement can be resumed after two weeks, which means that for transport to appointments and shopping, for at least the first two weeks you will need some assistance.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n A more elderly person may need help for a longer period of time, as they may be more fragile, have health issues, and also may have more difficulty with balance.<\/p>\n It is also important to note that anesthetic affects the elderly to a greater extent, and can have an effect on the bladder, especially at night. An elderly person may need someone there at night to help them to the toilet, if they are very drowsy.<\/strong><\/p>\n The pain medications may have a greater effect on an elderly person as well, <\/strong>which in itself is a reason to have someone present for a few weeks, as your loved one may be a little “dopey”.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”carerstaypost” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you have had a posterior, or lateral approach hip replacement, you may need a carer for at least the first two weeks to 4 weeks, depending on your age and prior state of health<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The first two, to three, weeks after the surgery will typically be the most challenging, but this does depend on the age and physical health of the person.<\/p>\n Because you will typically be faced with quite a number of precautions to observe, and cannot bend forwards, lean over, twist your torso when standing, or reach down, and all of that for a minimum of 6 weeks, you are going to require some level of help, for quite a while.<\/p>\n First you have to get used to all the precautions, and how to do things in a new way.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”careractivities” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n As you can see, there is a lot of stuff that you won’t be able to do easily, for a while after a posterior, or lateral, approach hip replacement, and you will be needing to get some help.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”carerelderlypost” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I am going to outline all the ways in which I helped my mom after her surgery, so you really can get an idea of what is required with an elderly adult after a hip replacement.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n 11 Days Mom was at the hospital <\/strong><\/p>\n For the first 4 weeks at home<\/strong> (weeks 2 1\/2\u00a0 -5 1\/2) Mom had a lady carer to help her with bathing – this was done seated on a bedside commode.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I did the following for Mom during the first 5 1\/2 weeks\u00a0 –<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”carerelderlypost” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]After about 4 weeks at home (starting week 5) – <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n After about 7 weeks –<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n I hope that gives you some idea of how much care is required for an elderly person, after a posterior, or lateral, approach hip replacement. <\/p>\n There is a lot you can do to reduce the help that may be needed after hip surgery.<\/p>\n Let’s see what things you can do to be better prepared for hip replacement recovery.<\/p>\n There are many things you can do to prepare –<\/p>\n Your physical health<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”carerthink” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n In the house in general <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”carertoilet” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n After an anterior approach hip replacement, you should not have any problems with toilet hygiene, but if you do, the following information will apply to you as well.<\/strong><\/p>\n After a posterior or lateral approach\u00a0 hip replacement, for toilet hygiene you will need to learn how to\u00a0 –<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”helpfultoilet” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Open Front Seats<\/strong><\/p>\n Safety frames with raised toilet seats and 3-in-1 bedside commodes, both have models which feature open front seats, which allow for greater access for personal care.<\/p>\n This extra access may be necessary, if you need to use a few devices to help you with your hygiene, while observing hip recovery precautions which preclude any bending and twisting.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A raised toilet seat <\/strong>– to elevate your toilet seat to a new height, you will need a raised toilet seat.<\/p>\n I suggest only getting models with armrests, and preferably those which stand over the toilet on four legs, for increased stability.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A 3-in1 bedside commode<\/strong> – these can be used as a raised toilet seat, as well as a toilet in a bedroom next to the bed as a toilet without running water.<\/p>\n Especially handy for when you first come home from the hospital, as getting quickly to the toilet won’t be possible, a 3-in-1 commode by the bed, is even more handy at night, as you may be drowsy, very unsteady, and unfit to walk around too much.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A toilet wand <\/strong>– these enable you to clean yourself after going to the toilet without bending, leaning forwards, over reaching, and twisting. All toilet wands have a gripping device, of some description, on the opposite end from the handle, where you can attach your wipes or toilet paper.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Handheld bidet sprays <\/strong>– this allows for total hygiene after going to the toilet, without any bending. You just the spray to clean yourself with water, from between your thighs, and then dry off afterwards.<\/p>\n The bidet spray is on a hose, which is easily attached to your toilet inlet valve.<\/p>\n If you get one, I would suggest that you get either a safety frame with a raised toilet seat, or a 3-in-1 bedside commode, and both with an open front seat,\u00a0 as this will give you more room for the handheld spray.<\/p>\n If you like the idea of a bidet, you can also get units which –<\/p>\n \u00a0You can also get models which have temperature controls, if you want a little added luxury !<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”carerthink” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n In the bathroom<\/strong><\/p>\n The bathroom is statistically the most dangerous room in the house, so you are going to have to take quite a few precautions.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”carerequip” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Here are some relatively inexpensive items and assistive devices which will make life a lot simpler after a hip replacement –<\/span><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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<\/strong><\/p>\nDo I need someone to stay with me after my hip replacement surgery ?<\/h2>\n
Anterior approach hip replacements<\/h3>\n
Caring for elderly patients after an anterior hip replacement<\/h4>\n
Posterior and lateral approach hip replacements<\/h3>\n
Activities for which a carer may be needed after posterior and lateral hip replacements
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<\/strong><\/li>\nCaring for an elderly person after a posterior hip replacement<\/h2>\n
Caring for Mom after her posterior approach hip replacement, at 88 yrs old –
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\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\nWhat do you need at home after a hip replacement ? Let’s think ahead and set things up<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Toilet hygiene after a hip replacement<\/h2>\n
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Toilet hygiene aids<\/h3>\n
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Equipment needed after hip replacement surgery<\/h2>\n
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