Going through knee replacement surgery is a big deal, but it is not uncommon. Many people between the ages of 50 to 80 go through this type of procedure, and it is usually necessary when a person's knee wears out from age and use. If you are scheduled to have this procedure completed, you may be contemplating staying at a nursing home for a short amount of time afterwards for assistance with your recovery. If so, here are three things to know about this.

Why People Choose This Option

Knee replacement surgery will require physical therapy afterwards. Physical therapy is a service designed to help a person regain full usage and mobility with a body part that has suffered an injury or gone through a surgical procedure. Getting a knee replaced requires this because a knee is an important body part for walking and standing.

When you complete your surgery and are released from the hospital, you could go home to recover from the procedure. The problem with this is that you will not be able to walk well after the procedure. You may be restricted to using a wheelchair for a while, or you might be given crutches or a walker to use. Getting around your house with a mobility device might be exceptionally hard to do, especially if you already have trouble with mobility.

This is the reason many people choose to stay at nursing homes after major surgeries. When you choose this option, you will have assistance 24 hours a day. You will also have meals provided to you, people to visit with, and a physical therapist to help you learn how to use your new knee.

Why Physical Therapy Is Important

Within a few days after your surgery, you will probably be ready to begin physical therapy. The purpose is to help you obtain mobility once again. If you do not begin using your new knee right away, it might be very hard for you to learn how to use it. In addition, you will not be able to properly stretch the knee and exercise it afterwards. If this happens, you may never be able to walk well again.

During physical therapy, a therapist will begin helping you move the knee. He or she will show you a variety of stretches, movements, and exercises that you must complete. This will strengthen your knee and leg, and it will build the muscles up in the right way after the knee is replaced.

Details Of Short-Term Rehabilitation In Nursing Homes

Short-term rehabilitation for knee replacement is a common service offered at many nursing homes, and choosing this option could help you recover faster. In most cases, a person should be able to resume normal tasks within three to six weeks after having a knee replaced. This means that you may need to stay at the nursing home for up to six weeks, but there is a chance you may only need to stay a few weeks. It will depend on your progress after the surgery.

One good thing to note is that if you are on Medicare, staying at a nursing home for short-term rehabilitation might be covered by your plan. In most cases, this type of care is covered as long as you go directly from a hospital to a nursing home, and as long as you will require intensive physical therapy after the procedure.

If you would like to learn more about this option or home health care options, make sure you call a nursing home or home healthcare business in your area before you have your surgery. You can then arrange for this in advance, and this could help you have a faster and safer recovery after having your knee replaced. Facilities like Valley View Retirement Community may be able to meet your needs in this area.