What Should You Bring With You for Your Parent’s Hip Replacement Surgery?

Elderly Care in Southampton NY

When your parent is getting ready to undergo a total hip replacement surgery it is important that they are as prepared as possible. This includes knowing what to expect and having their body in the best condition that they can leading up to the procedure. It also means making sure that they have what they need when they are at the hospital. Simply bringing along the right items can give your parent greater peace of mind and comfort throughout their stay so they are more likely to relax, comply with care, and get their recovery started on a beneficial note.

Some of the things that you should bring along when your parent is going in for hip replacement surgery include:

• Comfortable clothing. Very few people would actually want to spend several days sitting in the hospital in a hospital gown. They are uncomfortable, immodest, and do not make your parent feel at ease. Instead, bring along their own clothing that is comfortable and easy to get into and out of. Ask the doctor for recommendations for what types of items would be best and which you should avoid.
• Socks. A pair of warm socks can go a long distance in making your parent feel more comfortable. Bring along several pairs so that they can change them frequently.
• Sweater or blanket. Hospitals can be chilly. Bring along an extra layer of clothing or a small blanket so that your parent can wrap up when they need to in order to feel more comfortable. Make sure that this layer is not something that would interfere with the surgical site or any IVs that your loved one might have following their procedure.
• Eye mask. The lighting in a hospital can be disruptive and make it difficult for your parent to get the sleep that they need. An eye mask can filter out this light, making it easier for them to relax and get restorative sleep. On the other hand, you might also want to consider an inexpensive reading lamp or light. This will help your parent to see better when they are reading or doing puzzles and projects during their recovery.
• Entertainment. 3 to 5 days can seem like an extremely long time when you are sitting in a hospital bed. Bring along simple forms of entertainment that can help your parent’s mind stay engaged and active during their recovery. This will not only make this time easier for them to get through, but can help reduce the chances of hospital delirium.

If your aging parent will soon be undergoing total hip replacement surgery, now is the ideal time for you to consider elderly care for them. The average recovery period for a hip replacement is 6 months or more, and during this time your aging parent will need extensive care, support, and assistance in order to give their body a chance to heal and recover, and to prevent complications that could put their recovery, and their future health and mobility, at serious risk. An elderly home care services provider can create a customized approach to care and support that is designed to specifically address your elderly loved one’s challenges and limitations in a way that gives them the best chances of getting the rest they need but also working toward activity and greater independence.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional elderly care in Southampton, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.