| Severe Pain | Helpful Resources During Your Recovery after Surgery |
|
Introduction Family and friends might not be able to provide some or all of the assistance you need as you recover from joint replacement surgery. To find that extra pair of helping hands, look to the resources in your community. For some joint replacement patients, having one caregiver to meet all of their needs before, during and after surgery may be complicated by a variety of issues. Perhaps the caregiver is not comfortable performing a medical-related task, or the patient has other health issues that make professional care a necessity. In addition, the patient may not have family or friends able to provide the extra support needed during the home recovery period. If you need additional support for your health and personal needs, contact your joint replacement healthcare team for referrals to agencies or businesses in your area that provide in-home healthcare services. The hospital and local government agencies that provide services for seniors are also resources for locating information on in-home care, adult day services, meal or shopping services and even civic groups who provide help for individuals with health care needs. Your church, synagogue or mosque is another good source of both information and help. Also, the yellow pages provide information about businesses and services in your community. Check under "home health services" or the listing for the specific service you're after: For quick meal solutions, stock up on convenience foods - frozen dinners, microwave meals - before the surgery. After, some home health care service providers will bring meals or provide meal preparation as part of their services. Also, consider carryout - many restaurants provide full menu carryout service, and some will deliver. Meals-on-Wheels may be another alternative for seniors in some communities. Grocery ShoppingContact your favorite grocery store and ask whether they provide a shopping service. Many will deliver your groceries to your door. Also, many pharmacies provide delivery services of both medications and other items carried in their stores. CleaningIn addition to home health service providers who can send an aide to help with everyday cleaning - sweeping, dusting, dishes, laundry, etc. - consider regular cleaning or maid services for help with a weekly or monthly cleaning. Check under "cleaning" or "maid and butler services" in the yellow pages. Transportation to and from appointmentsIf you are unable to secure a ride through family or friends, check with the doctor's office next. They may have a list of transportation service providers, from van services for the disabled to taxi and shuttle services. Check the yellow pages under "transportation." Lawn serviceContact a lawn service for help with mowing and trimming, and for help caring for flower and vegetable gardens. This list is just a beginning. Remember, you are not alone, there is a service provider for just about every imaginable need that may arise. If you choose to hire in-home help, do your homework first.
|