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Understanding the Possible Complications Related to Hip Replacement Surgery

Elderly-Care-in-Seneca-SC

Elderly Care in Seneca SC

Getting a total hip replacement can make a tremendous difference in the life of your elderly loved one. This type of surgery is one of the most common performed among elderly adults, but it is Elderly-Care-in-Seneca-SC important to remember that even if it is a common procedure, a hip replacement does carry with it risks for complications. Understanding these risks can help your parent, and you, take the necessary steps to reduce the risks and to possibly identify them if they do arise so that you can get them the proper medical attention.

 

Some of the possible complications that can arise with total hip replacement surgery include:

  • Infection. Any time a surgical procedure is performed, there is a risk of infection. Your parent’s doctor will take precautions before, during, and after the surgery to reduce this risk and provide care guidelines for you and your parent to follow during the recovery period to further reduce this risk. It is important to pay close attention to the site to detect signs of any potential infection, such as redness, inflammation, or leakage, and get your parent to the doctor as quickly as possible if they do arise.
  • Dislocation. The artificial ball and socket that are used to replace your parent’s hip are not the same size as the natural one. Due to this, there is a risk that the ball will dislocate. Avoiding certain movements and positions is key to preventing dislocation and the pain and stiffness that can come with this incident. These include crossing their legs or stretching the hip beyond a right angle.
  • Blood clots. Due to the long periods of immobility that occur particularly during the early phases of recovery, blood clots are a serious risk. They tend to develop in the pelvis or in the legs, and can rapidly become a fatal situation. Help your parent prevent this potentially devastating consequence by encouraging them to maintain the exercise program that the doctor provides, wear compression socks, and comply with any and all medications that the doctor prescribes.

 

If your aging parent is preparing to undergo hip replacement surgery, starting elderly care for them can be one of the best decisions that you can make for them to help them through their recovery period. Though your loved one will only spend approximately 3 to 5 days in the hospital following their procedure, the actual recovery time is 6 months or more. During this time your parent will need extensive care, support, and assistance the help their body heal and reduce the chances that they will suffer from a complication. An elderly home care services can be in the home with your elderly parent as often as needed to give them the personalized care they require. This can be anything from handling light housekeeping duties and running errands, to giving physical assistance and support. These efforts can help ensure that your parent gets the rest that they need to recover while also learning to adapt to their new joint so that they can move forward with a healthy, active, and enjoyable quality of life.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring elderly care near Seneca, SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at 864-991-3116.  Providing Home Care Services in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Anderson, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Seneca, Laurens, Charleston, Columbia and the surrounding areas.

 

Source:  http://nihseniorhealth.gov/hipreplacement/possiblecomplications/01.html

Edward Harrison

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