Healing at Home
It’s the best place to recover from your joint replacement surgery!
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In the past, joint replacement patients were typically discharged first to a rehab or skilled nursing facility. But researchers have found that, for a variety of reasons, this ups the likelihood of post-op complications and even hospital readmission.
As a result, most healthy patients can now expect to be safely discharged directly home after joint surgery. Unless you have serious health issues or live alone without family or friends around to help during the early days, your home is the most comfortable place for you to be. You’ll recover faster and have more independence.
What the Research Says
Among the recent study findings on home recovery after joint replacement:
One study even found that home recovery is safe for many people who live alone.
In sharp contrast, a 2017 study found that hospital patients discharged directly to an inpatient rehab facility after hip replacement surgery were:
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34 times more likely to have an infection
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51 times more likely to develop a urinary tract infection
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44 times more likely to be readmitted to the hospital
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31 times more likely to have a problem with their wound
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93 times more likely to have a respiratory complication
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Steps to Take for Recovery at Home
Preparing your home and lining up help in the early days are both important to your post-op recovery. Use our home prep checklist to make sure you’re ready.
If you are concerned about your ability to recover safely at home, talk with your surgeon about the best options for you.
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This service is not intended to provide individual medical advice, which should only be obtained directly from a qualified physician or healthcare professional. Your personal information will never be used for any purpose other than to help educate and support you. You may opt out at any time with no effect to the delivery of your care or health benefits.
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