Should Your Parent Consider Hip Replacement Surgery?

Posted: 6/23/2016 6:53 AM by Interim HealthCare
The thought of your parent undergoing surgery can be daunting. Hip replacement surgery, however, can make a tremendous difference in their health and quality of life, enabling them to stay more active, healthier, and more engaged in the world around them. Helping your parent to determine if they should consider this type of surgery empowers them to make the decision that is right for them and for their own health and life goals.

The decision to undergo total hip replacement surgery is one that is very personal and should not be taken lightly. This is one of the most common surgical procedures performed on older adults throughout the United States, with hundreds of thousands performed each year. Like any surgery, however, there are inherent risks that should be kept in mind when making this consideration. You should also work with your parent and their doctor to determine if hip replacement surgery is truly the right procedure for the issues that your loved one is facing.

People who should consider having hip replacement surgery include those who are suffering from the following conditions, among others:
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteonecrosis
• Avascular necrosis
• Hip fracture
• Bone tumors
• Injury to the hip joint
• Wear and tear to the hip joint caused by extensive use, excess weight, or other conditions
 
Regardless of the actual cause, if your elderly loved one is experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to discuss the possibility of total hip replacement surgery with their doctor:
• Pain that interferes with daily activities
• Stiffness that prevents your parent from participating in normal activities
• Decreased mobility
• Decreased range of motion
• Decreased quality of life due to the impact of their hip pain, stiffness, and challenges
 
There are some alternatives to hip replacement surgery that your elderly parent might want to consider if they are not convinced that surgery is the right option or if they want to put off surgery for a little longer.

Some of these alternatives include:
• Physical therapy
• Special exercise programs
• Medication
• Use of walking aids or mobility devices to ease stress and strain on the joints
 
It is very important that your aging parent not wait too long to pursue treatment and care if they are dealing with serious hip pain or stiffness. The longer that they wait, the more extensive the damage could become and the more difficult it will be for them to recover from surgery if that is the path that they choose to take. If you notice that your aging parent is having more difficulty with mobility than they have in the past, talk with them and their doctor about their condition and determine what treatment is the right option for them.

If your parent is considering hip replacement surgery, now is the time to start thinking about home care. Though most people who undergo this type of surgery will only spend 3 to 5 days in the hospital after the surgery is performed, most will require up to 6 months of recovery and rehabilitation to completely heal and return to their normal lifestyle after this surgery.

 If you or someone you love is in need of senior care please contact Interim HealthCare today!