Your Coach can be a friend or relative who will help in the hospital as well as at home both before and after total joint replacement surgery. The Coach (or Co-Coaches if it is easier on your family to have two people to share the role) will be part of the care team and serves as the Primary Support Person. The Coach is required to attend your Pre-op Testing and Education Day that will be 3 to 4 weeks before your surgery as well as accompany you on the day of surgery and then assist at home for the first few days after your surgery.
Some level of assistance may be required before and after having joint replacement surgery. These tasks can include:
Before Surgery:
- Accompany you to your Pre-op Testing and Education session.
- Assist in preparing home for after surgery such as removing fall hazards, preparing meals, grocery shopping.
For both the Same Day Discharge and the One Night Stay programs:
- Going to physical therapy with the patient
- Being present for discharge instructions
- Provide a timely ride home
- Instructed on dressing changes, medications, physical therapy exercises and other care tasks
- Helping with walking and mobilizing you
Preparing for your discharge to home after surgery:
- Personal care: bathing, dressing
- Physical therapy exercises and walking
- Help manage medications and schedule
- Pain management: pain medication, ice, CPM
- Wound checks and dressing changes
- Meals and grocery shopping
- Providing transportation to outpatient therapy if needed
- Care of other family members and pets if needed
- House cleaning
- Being available in the event of an emergency
Remember, your Coach (or Co-Coaches) are important members of the team and must be there to help you on your Journey to Wellness.
