ARTICLES / General /
Getting Ready for Joint Replacement /
Other ArticlesBy Hilary Wright
As an appointed family caregiver, remember,
unless your loved one is faced with several
other medical issues, your caregiving
responsibilities will only be temporary, with a
recovery period lasting a few weeks as opposed
to a few years. Many of your duties may include
all or some of the following: helping your loved
one stand, sit, lie down, or move throughout the
home; provide help with bathing, hygiene,
grooming, dressing, and feeding; go shopping,
clean the house, cook the meals, do the laundry,
and run errands important to the function of
their home; keep track of all medical
appointments, and provide transportation to and
from each of these; pick up their prescriptions,
administer medications, clean the surgical site
and change the dressings; help them use
assistive mobility devices such as canes or
walkers, and know where these items are at all
times; keep in constant contact with your loved
one’s healthcare team, especially in regards to
any changes, complications or concerns; help
manage their finances by remembering to help pay
or send in regular household bills, as well as
tend to insurance paperwork related to their
present condition. Also, make a list of your own
questions that you would like to ask your loved
one’s healthcare team, as well as make a list of
things you would like to inform them about
regarding your loved one’s condition, such as
constipation, incontinence, or a noticeable
change in their personality or disposition. If a
member of the healthcare team tells you
something that you don’t understand, don’t be
embarrassed to ask for clarification. After all,
you’re dealing with your loved one’s health, and
that’s not something to be taken lightly.
After surgery, your loved will experience
good days and bad days, so be prepared for both. The
biggest reward as a caregiver is being able to
witness the progress of your loved one. Prior to the
procedure, they most likely endured constant pain
when attempting to do the most basic things;
however, as they recuperate, you’ll begin to see
them experience the joy of rediscovering greater
mobility without pain. Little by little, they’ll be
more independent and will be able to become involved
in activities of a more physical nature. They
may even be able to resume some beloved sports like
tennis, hiking, swimming and walking. The time and
care that you’ve put into being a family caregiver
will be amply rewarded when you see your loved one
not only back to doing their regular, day-to-day
routine, but when they begin to enjoy life even more
because they no longer experience the pain that held
them back. You can take great pride in knowing that
you made a difference, and that you were a part of
this miraculous, life-changing event!
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