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You will be discharged from the hospital when you are:
- Safe with your walker or crutches
- Able to perform your home exercise program with assistance
- Safe with transfers
- Able to identify alternatives for some normal, daily activities you will not be able to do yet (i.e. drive a car, carry items from place to place)
The average length of stay in the hospital after joint replacement is three to four days. You will need to have a care partner available for at least the first week after you are discharged home. A care partner is someone who will be with you the first few weeks after your surgery to help you with your home exercise program, assist you in getting in and out of bed and prepare meals. There are some options available to you if you do not have a care partner.
Before discharge, the nurse will review your home instructions with you. You will also be given a prescription for pain medication and instructions about your follow-up surgeon visit. |
