Orthopaedic Surgery – Preparing for admission & discharge
Why it is essential that patients not only think through the implications of their surgery but what impact this is going to have on their return home.
At Lakeview Private Hospital we have always appreciated that it is not just a case of ensuring that a patient is properly prepared for their admission to hospital but that the entire process is as smooth as possible from admission, through surgery, to their return home. The key to the whole process from beginning to end is planning ahead. Whilst the Lakeview Private pre-admission process provides invaluable advice and assistance to patients, the whole process is helped enormously if patients themselves address a number of steps to ensure they enjoy a timely discharge home and smooth return to life at home.
Ensuring your return home is as smooth and safe as possible
In the first instance, patients should consider the surgery they are having and their expected length of stay. This can be obtained from their surgeon. Being aware of the length of time they are likely to be away from home will allow for planning of ongoing household chores; the needs of other family members, pet care, gardening, provisions for their return etc. Thinking things through in advance and planning how things will be maintained will enable patients to ensure that their home environment is ready for them once they are discharged.
In addition to the aforementioned day-to-day considerations, a patient needs to be aware of what their mobility is likely to be like on discharge and what aids may be required at home to cater for this. Again the advice of one’s surgeon is invaluable. He or she may advise that a walking aid is essential for instance, a shower chair or even a toileting aid. Lakeview Private Hospital has always had a policy of focussing on patient’s needs and in this regard items such as crutches and walking sticks are available for purchase, whilst larger items such as walking frames, shower chairs and toileting aids are available to hire. For a short hospital stay considering the hiring of any equipment before admission and booking it in advance can minimise any delays when discharged.
If mobility is expected to be compromised on discharge considering the home environment to enhance safety is essential. Thought needs to be given to removing trip hazards, how one might be able to initially live on one level, as well as considering safety during activities of daily living such as showering and toileting. Since mobility might make movement around the kitchen awkward, it is even worthwhile preparing some meals in advance so that they are available in the first days following discharge. My Aged Care self-referrals can be made prior to hospital admission to assist with domestic and household tasks on discharge.
Care and understanding from specialist staff
With all the above in mind, a stay in Lakeview Private Rehabilitation following surgery is invaluable. Under the guidance of our specialist staff recovering patients are able to come to terms with whatever restrictions they might have following surgery under the caring and understanding guidance of our specialist rehabilitation team. Confidence grows as they learn how to best move and adapt, and essentially how to improve function leading to a safe discharge home. Stays in Lakeview Private Rehabilitation are available to orthopaedic and reconditioning patients who can consider the option both before surgery and while in the acute hospital setting.
It even helps if patients bring their usual day time clothes to rehabilitation as therapy aims to prepare their mindsets as close as possible for their home environment and surroundings on discharge.
Rehabilitation at Lakeview Private Hospital can also include hydrotherapy in the heated hydrotherapy pool so patients considering this should also pack their swimmers. Patients are also encouraged to bring their usual walking aids so that therapists can review these and work with the patient to use them efficiently.
Consideration also needs to be given to any expected driving restrictions post-surgery. Again it is worth planning in advance and ensuring that friends and family are available to assist in the immediate days post-surgery. If they are not, community transport can invariably be organised. In this regard, patients can refer to My Aged Care or the Social Workers at Lakeview Private Hospital who can assist with the process.
Lakeview Private Hospital boasts a purpose-built state-of-the-art rehabilitation facility. The facility offers orthopaedic and reconditioning inpatient and outpatient services with the very latest in equipment, a hydrotherapy pool and spa, and the combined expertise of the best of medical professionals.
Please contact us on Lakeview Private Rehabilitation on:
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