How to Care for Someone After Their Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery can change a life for the better, but there are a lot of steps to the journey to recovery post-surgery. As an orthopedic office that specializes in knee replacement surgery in Las Vegas, NV, we can tell you that the first six weeks after surgery are often the most critical, which is why it’s so important that a patient receive proper care after surgery, both from their surgeon and at home. If you are caring from someone after their knee replacement surgery, here are a few things you can do.

Cover the basic needs

For the first few days after surgery, it will likely be very difficult for the patient to do much for himself or herself. A few simple changes can help make these first few days easier:

• Set aside a recovery room on the first floor, close to the bathroom, if possible.
• Have pillows available for leg elevation
• Make sure the bed isn’t too low or too high
• Have ice packs on hand
• Have a cellphone and charger near the bed
• Store medications nearby
• Choose sensible sleepwear that is easy to get on and off
• Provide clean bedding
• Have snacks and beverages that are easily accessible
• Ensure lighting is easily accessible
• Provide entertainment (books, TV, games)
• Keep the crutches or walker nearby at all times
• Have bandages for dressing the wound

Be prepared to help with wound care and medications

It is important that you are well informed on how medications should be taken and how to care for the wound. It’s best if you, as the caregiver, are present at key appointments leading up to the surgery and take notes on post-surgery care. After the surgery, the patient may not be able to recall all the vital information, so it’s best that you are familiar with what needs to be done. If possible, try to develop a routine to ensure that medications and wound dressings aren’t missed.

Attend post-operation appointments

Your loved one will not be able to drive for some time, so you will most likely have to provide transportation to and from appointments after the surgery. It’s also important that you attend post-operation appointments, so if there are any questions or concerns, you can help answer these and take down important information regarding care.

Don’t forget self-care

It’s easy to forget to take care of yourself when caring for a loved one, but your health is important too. Be sure to get plenty of sleep, eat healthy, drink lots of water and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

Caring for a loved one after surgery is challenging, but being prepared can help things go smoothly. It’s also important that you and your loved one have a surgeon you can trust and call on for questions. Bernard Ong, M.D. specializes in knee replacement surgery in Las Vegas, NV, and prides himself on attentive, personal care at every step of the recovery process. To learn more, call the office of Bernard Ong, M.D. today!

Categorized in: Knee Replacement, Knee Surgery

This post was written by Writer