Getting ready to stay at a rehab hospital Information for patients staying at a rehab hospital after hip or knee replacement surgery UHN Read this information to learn: what you can expect what you need to know after you get home how to prepare Patients go home after their hip or knee surgery unless they receive other instructions. Please visit the UHN Patient Education website for more health information: www.uhnpatienteducation.ca 2016 University Health Network. All rights reserved. This information is to be used for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for non-commercial personal use only. Authors: Joanne Kwong, Roshini Sahanandan, Natasha Briggs, and Julie Byrne Revised: 03/2016 Form: D-5850
Who decides if and when I go to a rehab hospital? After hip or knee surgery, patients go home. Patients that don't get better and can't safely go home go to rehab. The hospital team will tell you if you need to go to a rehab hospital. If you do, then you will go to the rehab hospital within 3 days after your surgery. An ambulance will take you from the hospital where you had your surgery to the rehab hospital. You do not have to pay for this service. What will I do in rehab? A team of health care providers will work with you each day to help improve your strength, balance and flexibility. This therapy will help you slowly get back to doing your regular activities, such as bathing, dressing, and walking. There may be activities or movements you will need to avoid for a while after your surgery. In this case, your health care providers will help you learn new ways to get some things done. How long will I stay in the rehab hospital? After a hip or knee replacement, most people stay in the rehab hospital for up to 7 days. How long you stay will depend on your health and progress in rehab. Your health care providers will work closely with you and your family to plan your return home. 2
Bring these items to the rehab hospital Comfortable shoes (not slippers) with non-slip soles. We suggest you bring a pair of shoes ½ to 1 size larger than you usually wear, because your leg may be swollen after surgery. Loose, comfortable clothes that you can exercise in (for example: t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants and shorts) Pyjamas (if you want). Personal items, such as toiletries, glasses and hearing aids. Your health card (Ontario Health Insurance Plan or OHIP) Information about any private medical insurance you have. Entertainment such as books, puzzles, electronics or headphones (if you want to order TV). How will I get home from the rehab hospital? You need to arrange for someone to drive you home. You will not be able to drive or take public transit. You will not be able to drive for 4 to 6 weeks after your hip or knee replacement surgery. Will I need more therapy after I leave the rehab hospital? Your therapist will give you an exercise program to do at home. Doing your exercises will strengthen your muscles and keep your new hip(s) or knee(s) moving well. After rehab, your health care team may also recommend that you continue therapy in your community. You may be able to have therapy at: a hospital outpatient clinic a publicly funded clinic a private clinic 3
Before you decide on a clinic, call and ask if their services are paid for by OHIP. If their services are not covered by OHIP, you will need to pay for them or use your own private health insurance. If you need help planning for therapy at a community clinic, speak with your therapist. Can I get any services at home after rehab? After a hip or knee replacement, most people do not qualify for personal care services in their home. If you would like to buy personal care services, such as help with dressing or bathing, your health care team can give you a list of services in your community. How can I prepare for going home after hip or knee replacement surgery? Get your home ready for your return You may not feel well enough to cook, clean and do laundry when you first get home. It is important to get your home ready ahead of time. Make meals or buy prepared foods and keep them in your freezer. If you can't prepare meals, ask a health care provider about Meals on Wheels. This service delivers hot or frozen meals to your home for a small fee. Do your laundry and cleaning before your surgery, or look into getting help for when you are still recovering. Put items you use often in places where they will be easy to reach. Arrange for help to care for your pets and plants. 4
Plan to get help for when you return home You may need help with your personal care and/or homemaking activities when you get home. If you can, ask your family or friends to help you. If you live alone, you may want to think about hiring a caregiver to come to your home to help you for a short time or buying homemaking services, if needed. If you are concerned about getting help, please speak with a member of your health care team at the rehab hospital. Think about the equipment you may need in your home Your therapists will help you decide what you will need, such as a: raised toilet seat shower chair long-handled shoehorn reacher walker or cane long handled sponge or brush Arrange help for getting to appointments If you can't get help to get to your appointments, speak with a member of your rehab team. A team member can help you arrange a transportation service in your community. In Toronto, Wheel-Trans is an example of this kind of service. 5