The restrictions that somebody may face after undergoing knee surgery will depend on a number of factors. Probably, most importantly, is the type of knee surgery performed. Some of the common surgical procedures that may impair someone’s function after surgery include:
Knee replacement surgery ACL reconstruction surgery Arthroscopic knee surgery
By taking a few steps prior to surgery, there are ways that you can make a significant difference for the person who has to undergo the procedure.
Having a living space that includes a place to sleep, a bathroom, and the kitchen on a single level can be a big help. This is not always mandatory, but certainly, the fewer stairs to navigate after surgery, the easier it will be. Some people will move a bed onto the main living level, others will find creative solutions. Trying to anticipate these needs before surgery can definitely make the arrival home a little bit easier.
If there will be prolonged limitations in mobility, it may be helpful to install fixtures within the house that can help. Grab bars in the bathroom, railings along the stairs, easy entry showers, are all available for people who have mobility restrictions.
Ask your surgeon if she can provide prescriptions prior to the day of surgery so that you can have these ready at home. Having to stop at a pharmacy on the way home from the hospital can be challenging, and sometimes it takes time for the pharmacist to prepare a prescription. Having to wait in the car can be uncomfortable and is certainly not necessary. Obtaining these prescriptions ahead of time and having them already at home is a big help.
Make sure the prescriptions and directions are understood and determine which medications need to be taken regularly versus those that may only be taken as needed. Having the medications understood and available prior to returning home from surgery can prevent problems. Trying to address these problems is always more difficult, especially outside of normal office hours.
Caregivers can also plan to be around at mealtime. This is a particularly helpful time for people who have had recent surgery to have someone around. Simply getting a meal from the kitchen to the dining space can be a challenge, so having an extra set of hands at that time, in particular, is helpful.
The best meals can be easily stored and quickly and easily prepared. In particular, having a few options that did not require any preparation or refrigeration can be particularly helpful. As stated, simply getting food from the kitchen to the dining area can be a major obstacle, and having some food available that does not require preparation in the kitchen can be helpful.
How to get to therapy appointmentsHow to get to doctor appointmentsHow to get a prescription refillHow to obtain groceries/go shopping
Trying to anticipate these obstacles, when they will occur, and who will be responsible for helping the patient, will help with some of the anxiety. Be aware as a caregiver that many patients do not want to ask for help. The best advice for a caregiver is to make plans to be available at these times, rather than wait for a patient to ask for help.
Be available if an emergency situation occursHelp anticipate logistic challenges during recoveryBe a voice of support to help with recovery
A great caregiver does not necessarily need to be present at every moment. Do not be afraid to offer support, even if you do not have experience being a caregiver. If you are concerned about the time commitment, develop a caregiving team, so that you do not feel a burden of responsibility that you cannot accept. The fact is, at some point in our lives, we will need a little bit of help. Now is your opportunity to provide that assistance!
