You will likely go home from the hospital or skilled nursing center once you are able to:
However, you may still need help taking care of yourself at home. Most people need help with:
You may have family members or friends around to help, but you should make sure you have enough help for a quick and safe recovery. Keep in mind, you will need this help for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery.
Family and friends must be able to do all of the tasks you need help with. If not, you can talk to the hospital social worker or discharge nurse about getting help in your home. Sometimes, they will arrange for someone to come to the home and determine what help you may need.
Besides family members and friends, many different types of home care providers can come into your home to help. They can assist with movement and exercises, wound care, and daily living.
Home health care nurses can help manage:
Physical and occupational therapists can:
You will need a referral from your doctor in order to have home health care nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists visit your home. Your insurance will often pay for these visits if you have a referral. However, you should still make sure it is covered beforehand.
Other types of assistance are available for tasks or issues that do not require the clinical expertise of nurses and therapists. Names of some of these professionals include:
It is important to check with your case manager at the hospital, and they can verify to see whether insurance can pay for some of these services.
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