Breaking a hip always requires surgical intervention and the recovery period can be lengthy. If your aging family member has undergone hip replacement surgery and lives alone, they will need help while they recuperate. Here are some ways an elderly home care professional can help your loved one recover safely and comfortably after hip surgery. 

Anticoagulant Medications

While your loved one is recovering in the hospital after their hip replacement surgery, they will be given injections of anticoagulant medications. This reduces the risk of blood clots in patients who have undergone joint replacement surgery.

After the patient is discharged, their intravenous anticoagulant line will be discontinued, however, they may still need to take oral anticoagulants at home. If the individual is unable to take their own medications because of fatigue, confusion, or physical disability, the elderly home care provider will assist them.

It is extremely important that your loved one not miss a dose of their anticoagulant medication and that they take the drug at the same time every day. The senior home caregiver will also monitor the patient for signs and symptoms of a blood clot and if noticed, will contact you and the senior's primary care physician. 

Ambulation Assistance

Standing and walking as soon as possible after hip replacement surgery is important. It helps promote circulation and speeds up the healing process. In addition, it can help prevent postoperative pneumonia that can occur as a result of lying in bed for extended periods of time. The elderly home care provider will help your loved one with balance, standing, and walking. Hip replacement patients also typically require physical therapy to help restore range of motion and mobility.

If your loved one cannot travel to the physical therapy facility or hospital for their sessions, they can opt for in-home physical therapy. The caregiver, in conjunction with a licensed therapist and the primary care physician, can assist the patient with their therapy exercises and offer standby assistance should the individual become weak, fearful, or dizzy when standing. The more the caregiver works with your loved one, the stronger they will become; however, recovery after hip surgery can be slow and challenging. 

If your aging family member had hip replacement surgery and needs assistance during their recovery period, consider hiring an elderly home care provider. When hip surgery patients get the postoperative care they need at home, they are more likely to enjoy an uneventful and complication-free recovery.

Contact a company like Visiting Angels to find out more.