The most common reason for hip replacement for seniors is osteoarthritis. The weakness is causes may lead to a fall or another injury which can create an emergency need for surgery. If hip replacement is a choice, it’s recommended for your parent to review their options from their doctor.

How to Strengthen the Hip After Replacement

In some instances, a doctor may introduce physical therapy to strengthen the hip. Aquatic therapy is an excellent form of exercise that many older adults find easy to do as it puts less impact on the body while providing positive results. In addition to exercise, walking aids and properly fitting shoes to stabilize the feet when walking may alleviate pain and correct some of the hip issues by either delaying or offsetting surgery.

The decision for a hip replacement involves your parent and their doctor. Their current health and rehabilitation ability are crucial. After surgery, they’ll start bearing weight and taking steps with a walker. Therapists will begin working with them immediately. Expect exhaustion after each step.

How Caregivers Can Help

Each day your parent will get stronger. Professional caregivers can help them get up and walk around. It’s not about overdoing, but using the new hip and learning to make it work with the rest of the body. In between physical therapy an extra walk, stretch, or even standing rather than sitting will be a healthy step to improve mom or dad’s ability to keep moving through life.

Contact Us

When working with a caregiver at Assisting Hands Home Care, we can help your parent strengthen their new hip by providing assistance when walking. We can also prevent them overworking by taking care of chores, preparing meals and providing transportation. We will also take steps to prevent falls in the home by moving away any tripping hazards.

Give us a call at (239) 510-7761 to learn more about how our post-operative care services can help your parent after a hip replacement.