The recovery process can be tiring and painful at times, but there are a few things you can do to help your loved one enjoy a more relaxed experience.
1. Help out around the home.
Help your loved one to relax and encourage them to rest their new knee by preparing a recovery space for them prior to surgery. A lounge or bed with pillows to elevate the leg, a phone nearby, space for a walker or crutches, sensible sleepwear and shoes, toiletries and entertainment creates an ideal recovery haven.
You can also help your loved one during recovery by assisting with chores, preparing meals, washing clothes and linen and doing their grocery shopping.
2. Assist with his/her medical needs.
It’s important to monitor the surgery wound and for your loved one to take his/her prescribed medication. Try to establish a routine in which you check the wound and administer medication as needed throughout each day.
You may also need to renew prescriptions at the chemist and drive your loved one to required medical appointments that will aid recovery.
If possible, speak to the surgeon about your loved one’s medical needs so you are better able to assist.
3. Provide emotional and physical support.
Your loved one will need to follow a set rehab plan to speed up the recovery from his/her knee replacement surgery. It’s essential that you support them through the exercises as well as provide emotional support and encouragement to help your loved one stay on track.
If you do have any concerns or questions regarding your loved one’s recovery from knee replacement surgery, make sure you ask the surgeon or physiotherapist.
Dr Stuart MacKenzie is one of the top orthopaedic surgeons in Newcastle and the Hunter and has extensive experience helping people to get moving again through robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery.
