When an Elderly Parent is Considering a Knee or Hip Replacement
Elderly Care in Wilmette IL
While the fear of surgery and the possible complications are warranted, many seniors report relief from the pain and disability associated with knee and hip joint pain following surgery. After all non-invasive treatment options are utilized and if their doctor has suggested surgery as a viable alternative, it is important to make informed choices weighing the risks against the benefits.
Study
A study involving 174 patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, age 65 and older, was conducted to look at success rates of surgery versus non-surgical treatment options. Twenty-nine percent of the participants had surgery. Seventeen percent experienced complications including deep wound infection and blood clots. Pain lasted more than four weeks after surgery among 38 percent of the participants. Most required assistance with daily living during this time period. Patients were contacted a year later to determine the success rate. Elderly patients who had the joint replacement surgery experienced more significant improvements than those that did not.
Contraindicated
Certain populations in the elderly should not consider this operation. These include those with severe dementia or end-stage renal failure. If your loved one has high-blood pressure, diabetes, heart or lung disease, obesity, or smokes, it is recommended that these be evaluated and improved as much as possible before surgery.
Risks and Alternatives
The stress of the surgery can lead to cardiovascular complications such as heart failure and arrhythmia–an abnormal heart rhythm. COPD, pulmonary fibrosis and sleep apnea can all contribute to complications and should be evaluated prior to surgery. Renal failure due to operative procedures or the medication required post-surgery such as aspirin, ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatories can be cause for concern.
Non-surgical alternative treatments and considerations include weight control, exercise, physical therapy, and medications. Less-invasive surgeries are also possible which include arthroscopic.
Benefits
In many cases, surgery relieves pain and restores function to the affected joint, allowing the patient to walk again without pain thereby improving the quality of life.
After Surgery
Your loved one will need assistance with the daily activities of life including transferring from chairs, bed and bath. They will be unable to drive for an extended period of time and will require a rehabilitation program. Be sure to have your caregiving team in place before they return home and schedule it for six weeks post-surgery. You may want to consider an elderly care provider at this time as they have experience caring for post-surgical seniors and know their needs. In addition, they can provide transportation to appointments, remind your loved one when it’s time to take their medication, and help with all the activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, light housekeeping and meal preparation.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Wilmette, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.
Resources: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/414360
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