Everyday lapses in memory are normal.

We forget what day it is but remember later. Or we might forget where we placed the keys when we came home last night. But then we find it later.

These are normal.

However, when forgetfulness begins to interfere with your daily life, there is a cause for concern.

It is however also important to remember that forgetfulness does not necessarily mean a person has Alzheimer’s Disease.

In fact, mild memory loss and forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging.

As we get older, our bodies go through many changes and this includes changes in the brain.

Thus, you might realize that it is harder to learn new things or that you don’t recall facts as easily.

How can you even tell that the forgetfulness you’re experiencing is related to Alzheimer’s or not?

In today’s post, we will go over the key differences between Alzheimer’s and mild memory loss related to aging.

And, we will also talk about how to cope with memory loss as you grow older.

Let’s dive right into it.

Coping with Memory Loss-Important Things To Know

So what are the differences between mild memory loss that is related to aging and memory loss related to Alzheimer’s?

With mild memory loss, you might make one bad judgement that is unusual for you once in a while. When memory loss is related to Alzheimer’s you make a series of bad judgments or decisions.
With mild memory loss, you might forget a day and remember it later. For memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s, a person loses track of time completely.
Once in a while we all forget a word to use for something we are describing. If the memory loss is related to Alzheimer’s however, you might have trouble having a conversation.
Losing things from time to time to normal. When you find that you are losing things all the time and/or being unable to find them, Alzheimer’s might be in the picture.

What causes memory loss and forgetfulness?

The fact that the mild memory loss you’re experiencing is not related to Alzheimer’s doesn’t mean you shouldn’t talk to your doctor about it.

Apart from aging, memory loss is associated with:

tumors or infections in the brain
medication side effects
a head injury that might have happened if you have fallen recently
drinking too much alcohol
stress or emotional issues
elder abuse

To make sure none of these medical conditions in responsible for your memory loss, talk with your doctor.

Early interventions for memory loss and forgetfulness are always helpful.

Coping with Memory Loss- 8 strategies to help you cope

So how do you as a person experiencing memory loss cope?

Talk to your doctor the moment you start noticing that forgetfulness is interfering with your day-to-day functioning. They might be able to recommend a medication course that helps reduce the progression of memory loss.
Eat more food that improves your brain health.
Take care of your emotional health as well.
Arrange your home in such a way that it is safe and you reduce the risk of falls. For useful tips on how to reduce the risk of falls in your home, check out this post.
Write important information down and place it in a visible area. Birthdays, your doctor’s number and such key information can be written on a large piece of paper and be placed on your refrigerator for instance.
Set reminders or use alarms to remind you of important events throughout the day.
Let a trust family member or friend know where vital documents such as your will, advanced directives, social security and financial information is located. This way, they can provide that information when you forget.
You might also want to consider a fiduciary to help you manage your finances and financial obligations.

Memory loss and forgetfulness are certainly difficult topics to navigate.

But there is help and it is possible to thrive in spite of it.

The tips shared in here will be helpful to you if you’re in that place or are a caregiver with a loved one in that place.

If you found this post helpful, consider sharing it with someone else that might be dealing with memory loss and forgetfulness.

What are the best websites for seniors in 2019?

With millions of websites out there it can be hard to determine where to find reliable resources online.

In this post, I will be outlining 7 of the best websites for seniors and their caregivers.

Ready? Let’s jump right in.

AARP.org

The American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) website is an excellent resources if you’re looking up to keep up with senior/eldercare news, facts and figures.

Being an AARP member also gives you access to discounts on travel, car rentals and even on healthcare. And their educational resources are top-notch as well.

Eldercare Directory

It’s time to locate a caregiver or housing facility for your loved one but you don’t know where to start? The Eldercare Directory will help you locate home care agencies, home health agencies and federal programs so that your loved one can get the help they need.

US Department of Health of Human Services

The US Department of Health and Human Services is another rich resource you can tap into as a senior.

Resources you can access here include:

Elder justice issues
Resource locators which are in some ways similar to the Eldercare Directory
Retirement planning advice
Government programs that are available to seniors usually at a cheaper cost.

The Green Tree Home Care Blog

This post wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t mention this blog! Over the last year, the content team over here at Green Tree has been working hard to bring you well-researched and written posts that educate you on everything from chronic health issues, mental health for caregivers to end of life planning.

Grab a cup of coffee or tea and read through our blog for advice on aging and care-giving.

Savvy Senior

The Savvy Senior is a nationally syndicated column that is researched and compiled by the NBC Today show contributor Jim Miller.

This column appears in more than 400 newspapers and magazines across the nation and covers everything from end of life questions to employment for seniors to Medicare and Medicaid.

Check out the Savvy Senior here.

Our Time

It is never too late to fall in love. Our Time is a dating website dedicated to people 50 and over.

Looking for a new life companion?

Create a profile on Our Time and see how it goes!

YouTube

YouTube is not just for young people who are social media savvy! And it is not just for getting entertained or for getting information on how to fix something around your house.

There are a number of seniors who are creating useful and engaging content around their life experiences on the platforms.

Have a cell phone camera? You can start a YouTube channel and share your thoughts and experiences on camera as well.

Not only can you grow a following on YouTube, it can be a source of good income as well.

Was this post helpful? Consider sharing it with someone else who is looking for helpful websites for seniors.

You are never too old to dream a new dream!

And even though it is February, we are still early enough in the year that you can start with new goals RIGHT NOW.

So for our senior friends out there who are wondering if doing something new at your age is out of the question, think again.

In today’s post, I will share 15 goal ideas for seniors that you can implement in 2019.

15 Goal Ideas for Seniors in 2019

Learn a new language
Visit a new city
Explore a different part of your city on the weekends
Try a brand new exercise
Re-read the books on your shelf
Get to know the neighbors
Learn to play a new instrument
Buy a journal and write down your thoughts daily
Drink more water
Haven’t created a living will/advance directive? This is an excellent time to create one.
Reading a book too tasking? Start listening to audiobooks. Audible allows you to try audiobooks for free for 30 days.
Go on iTunes or any podcast listener in the Android Play Store and listen to a new podcast.
Start a micro-business. These days, you don’t need a whole lot to start a business. In fact, there are a number of apps, websites and even free community tools that will allow you to make an income without having to leave your house.
Walk outside and enjoy your natural surroundings.
Declutter. Ah! I now so many people are scared of this word. And especially so when you live in a house where your kids and perhaps grandkids grew up. Getting rid of anything is hard. I have a hard time getting rid of things too! But perhaps decluttering will give you more headspace to thrive? You will never know until you try!

So there you have it. 15 goal ideas that will help you pump some new juice into your life.

Have you tried any of these? How did they work for you?

If you enjoyed this post, share it with someone else who is looking for new goals this year.

Is all cholesterol bad for you?

What runs through your mind when you think about cholesterol?

Cholesterol will clog your veins
Cholesterol will kill you
Cholesterol increases the risk of a heart attack.

These are the common messages we hear when it comes to cholesterol.

But is all cholesterol bad?

In this post, we will talk about what cholesterol is, when cholesterol is good for you and how to reduce “bad” cholesterol in your blood.

Let’s dive in.

Cholesterol: The good, the bad and the ugly

First of all, what is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a biological chemical that is produced by the cells in your body.

It is produced by your cells and forms an important part of your cells called the cell membrane. The cell membrane is

It is a product of your cells that forms an important part of your cells- the cell membrane. The cell membrane is the outermost part of a cell that keeps chemicals out and allows essential chemicals in depending on the needs of your body.

Apart from its’ important role as part of cell membranes, cholesterol also serves as a precursor chemical for the formation of certain hormones, bile acid and vitamin D in the body.

Because cholesterol is a solid fat molecule, the downside of having too much cholesterol in your body is that over time, it will accumulate in blood vessels and form plaque.

This of course leads to all types of hearth disease and eventually, death.

And this is why cholesterol has gotten a bad rap over the years.

Usually by the time the problem is recognized, it is too late.

So as you can see, cholesterol is good for you on the one hand because it helps with the formation of your cell membranes. Yet on the other, there are bad implications if you have too much of it.

So when is cholesterol good for you?

To fully understand this, it is important to discuss the kinds of cholesterol that exist.

Cholesterol can be grouped into two major categories namely low density lipoproteins (LDLs) and high density lipoproteins (HDLs).

LDLs are the bad type of cholesterol. When a doctor says your cholesterol is high, they are most likely talking about high levels of LDLs versus your HDLs which is the type of the cholesterol your body needs.

Thus your goal should be to reduce your LDLs and add in more sources of HDLs into your diet.

Scientific research suggests that HDLs act in ways to clear your body of LDLs. Thus when HDLs are high, it is good for you.

Foods that contain saturated fats such as butter, ghee, hard margarines and fatty meats are particularly high in LDLs. Reduce the amounts of these foods in your diet.

Foods that are high in HDLs include olive oil, beans, legumes, nuts, chia seeds and flax.

How to keep your cholesterol at healthy levels

Keeping your cholesterol at a healthy level starts with regular check-ups with your doctor. During these visits, it is likely that you will have blood work done.

Keeping an eye on the blood work levels is important information that will help you take decisions to reduce your risk for bad cholesterol in your blood.

You have the right to ask your doctor for the results and study them for yourself.

Don’t leave your healthcare into the hands of your doctor.

You (or if you are a caregiver) are your own best health advocate.

If those results suggest that your LDLs are high, it is then time to make the necessary changes required for reducing your cholesterol levels.

Four ways to reduce your cholesterol without medication

Limit your intake of foods that are high in LDLs like we mentioned above and increasing your intake of foods high in HDLs.
Exercise. Losing weight reduces the incidence of cholesterol-related problems.
Eating an overall balanced diet with the right amount of proteins, carbohydrates and good fats.
Quitting smoking.

So is all cholesterol bad for you? It depends on which cholesterol type you’re looking at.

Did you find this post helpful?

Share it with someone else who is looking for solutions when it comes to their health and cholesterol.

Is it time to find an in-home care company for your loved one? You are not alone. According to John Hopkins Medicine, about 12 million people in the United States require in-home assistance.

But, with over 33,000 home care providers, how do you pick the right one? You don’t want just anyone caring for your loved ones. You want caregivers who are compassionate, well-trained, and reliable.

Before hiring a company to provide in-home care, you must take time to research and ask questions.

15 Questions to Ask Your Home Care Company Before You Hire Them

Use this list for each company you’re considering and write down their answers. Then you can compare your options and select the best one.

1. How do you vet your employees?

In-home care companies should require complete background checks on their care providers. Talk to them about what this process looks like for them.

2. Does the company have a license?

It is important to make sure the home health agency is licensed in your state. This means they meet the requirements outlined in your area. Being licensed also means they are operating a legitimate company and aren’t just a scam.

3. Can I see a bio for caregivers?

You want to find a great fit for your loved one. Seeing a caregiver bio can help you make this decision. It’ll also show you caregiver credentials and experience.

4. What training do you provide your caregivers?

Some companies just offer an initial orientation and training session. Others provide on-going training opportunities to help their caregivers improve. Depending on what state you live in, there may be more intense training program required by law. Be sure to ask about your chosen agencies training protocols.

5. When can you start providing services?

What are the on-boarding requirements? Some require an in-home assessment, or a placement evaluation before beginning. Find out what is required, what the timeline is, and when a caregiver can begin.

6. What is the agency portion of the fee and how much does the caregiver receive?

You don’t want an underpaid caregiver. Find out how much of what you’re paying goes to the agency, and how much goes to the caregiver.

7. Do your providers work with long term care insurance providers?

Not all agencies have experience or systems designed to work well with long term care insurance providers. Pick a company that works with the insurance your loved one has.

8. What is your caregiver evaluation process?

Find out how the company evaluates their caregivers. What does that process entail? Are evaluators going to be accompanying the caregiver to your loved ones’ home?

9. Will my loved one have the same caregiver each time and if there is a change will that be communicated ahead of time?

You want your loved one to know who to expect. Will a caregiver (or two or three) be assigned? Will there be random providers showing up? You want to make sure your expectations for communication and reliable providers are in alignment with the practices of the home care agency you choose.

10. What do their services include?

What does your loved one need help with? Make sure those services are included in the cost. If they aren’t, can you add on additional services for a fee?

11. Do I need to submit claims to the insurance?

There’s a ton of paperwork involved in submitting care-giving claims to the long term care insurance company. Find out if that’s a task you need to undertake, or if the agency handles it for you.

12. What happens if the caregiver doesn’t show up?

Learn what policies are in place to ensure your loved one has a caregiver even in the event of sickness or a no-show.

13. How do your caregivers handle emergencies?

When you’re providing care for someone, there’s always the possibility of an emergency. Find out what training the company gives to caregivers to help them handle these situations appropriately.

14. What happens if a caregiver isn’t a good fit?

Most companies try to make a good match before placing a caregiver. But, it doesn’t always work out. What is the process if your loved one just doesn’t like one of the caregivers? Can you select a new one?

15. If I have concerns about the level of care, what do I do?

If you suspect something is going on, you need to know the process for reporting it. Find out how the agency handles non-compliance reports, and what their investigation entails.

These questions will help you make an informed decision about in-home care companies for your loved one.

At Green Tree Home Care, we are happy to answer any question you have about home care and your loved one.

Caregiver stress is real! And that stress can take a toll on you. Stress can lead to feeling constantly overwhelmed or worried. Unfortunately, it can lead to depression, and even drug or alcohol abuse. Physical problems like headaches and body pains can also result from too much stress.

To avoid all the negative side effects of stress, you must learn to manage it.

In this post, we will go over 7 stress relief ideas for caregivers.

7 stress relief ideas for caregivers

Finding time to relieve stress as a caregiver isn’t always easy. That’s why this list includes several ways to reduce your stress in just a couple of minutes. Pick out a couple of your favorites, and purposefully integrate them into your day.

1. Take deep breaths

Oxygen is key to stress reduction. By concentrating on your breathing, and taking several deep breaths, you can get more oxygen into your blood.

When you feel yourself stressing out, take some time to breathe. Inhale through your nose until your lungs are filled with air. Hold it for a moment or two. Then slowly exhale through your mouth.

Repeat this exercise several times in a row for maximum benefit.

2. Meditate

With just a couple of minutes of meditation a day, you can lower your stress. Meditation can also lower your blood pressure and improve your concentration. It’s a great habit to get into.

You can start by simply sitting in a comfortable position and clearing your mind. There are several different methods of meditation, so find one that works for you and regularly practice.

3. Get moving

Exercise gets your endorphins pumping. These feel-good neurotransmitters help relieve stress.

Incorporate more movement into your day. Take a brisk walk around the house. Jump rope for a few minutes. Do an exercise video.

Find an activity you enjoy and do it several times a week.

4. Go outside

Fresh air is calming. Studies found that being outside helps relieve anxiety and stress.

Sit outside and drink your morning coffee. Take a quick walk through the neighborhood. Spend some unplugged time outside each day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

5. Put on some music

You can listen to music while you complete your day-to-day activities, making it an easy way to reduce your stress levels. Use your phone to create playlists full of music you love.

When you are really feeling stressed, classical music can help. There’s something calming about listening to the soothing sounds.

6. Count your blessings

Taking a few minutes each day to focus on what you do have can help improve your mental outlook. Gratitude helps lower stress.

You can express gratitude in a variety of ways. Try:

Writing a thank you note to someone
Creating a list of things you’re grateful for
Making a “gratitude jar” and add a slip of paper with a new blessing every day
Looking around the room and naming as many things you’re thankful for as possible
Creating a gratitude collage and hanging it up where you can reflect on it
Thinking about someone you’re thankful for
Saying thank you more often

Being grateful helps you focus on the positive, which is beneficial.

7. Journal your thoughts

Don’t keep your thoughts and feelings bottled up inside yourself. Regularly take time to write them out. The act of journaling has been shown to reduce stress.

A journal is a place where you can process the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of caregiver. You can keep a digital journal, or a physical one with pen and paper.

Think about which style works best for you personally and get started. Remember this isn’t an assignment for school. Don’t worry about your grammar, spelling, or handwriting. Just release your thoughts as you write.

Take care of yourself

As a caregiver, you must take time to reduce your stress. It’s so easy to get caught up in taking care of someone else that you forget about you. Don’t do that! You must take care of your stress so you can continue providing care.

Do you know someone who is struggling to manage their stress as a caregiver? Please share this article with them.

Is your loved one showing signs that they need some in-home help? As people age, everyday tasks can become increasingly difficult. Things like personal hygiene, cooking, and running errands can present a challenge to many older adults.

But those who need help are often in denial about their needs. They don’t want to cause problems or make you worry about them. So, they downplay their struggles and pretend that everything is just fine.

Some may even get mad at you for bringing up the topic of an in-home caregiver. Even when they know they need help.

Here are 7 signs your loved one needs in-home care.

7 signs your loved one needs in-home care

This means you will play an important role in determining when help is needed. You need to keep tabs on the situation and watch for red flags. To help you, here are seven warning signs that your loved one may be ready for additional assistance.

1. Increasingly forgetful

Does your loved one repeatedly tell you the same story, with no recollection of early accounts? Are they having trouble remembering which medications they’re taking, or when they took them? Have they missed doctor appointments simply because they forgot they had them scheduled? Are bills piling up, because your loved one forgot to pay them?

Each of these is a sign that some additional help may be needed. Forgetfulness can lead to problems like untreated illnesses, house fires, and financial woes.

2. Changes in cleanliness

Is your loved one looking a little disheveled lately? Are they having trouble getting clean in the shower, or shaving? Is it too difficult for them to change their clothes regularly or keep them laundered?

These changes in personal hygiene can be an indicator that it’s time for some in-home help.

3. Bare Cupboards

Don’t let your loved one turn into Old Mother Hubbard who went to the cupboard and discovered them bare. If you notice lots of empty shelves, or lots of expired food in your loved one’s kitchen, this may mean getting to the grocery store is becoming increasingly difficult.

They may also be forgetting to shop, cook, and even eat. This can lead to weight loss and poor nutrition. Always take time to check out the status of your loved one’s kitchen when you’re visiting.

4. Change in personality

Changes in personality are another sign that it’s time for some help. Look for:

Signs of depression
Extreme mood swings
Loneliness
Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
A desire to isolate oneself
Anything that strikes you as out of character or odd for your loved one

These personality differences can be a sign that it’s time for some extra help and company.

5. The condition of the house changes

If your loved one used to keep a reasonably neat house, and it’s now in disarray, something is going on. The physical tasks required to keep a home and yard clean can be too much for many aging seniors. They may not have the energy to mow the lawn as often as before, or to keep the house picked up.

6. Lack of Balance

Have you noticed your loved one stumbling more than usual, or struggling to change between sitting and standing? This could be a sign that their balance is changing. Falls and other injuries can result from this lack of balance.

7. Weight changes

Has your loved one started losing weight? Or are they packing on some extra pounds? Unexplained weight changes can indicate a problem.

Weight loss may mean your loved one isn’t taking time to eat. Or that they are eating a lot less at each meal.

Gaining weight can be a sign that your loved one isn’t as active in the day. Or that they are eating much higher calorie convenience food, so they don’t have to actually cook.

Either way, weight changes are another sign that your loved one is ready for some in-home care.

Do you know someone who is wondering if it’s time to arrange for care for their loved one? Share this article with you so they can keep their eyes out for these seven signs that indicate it’s time.

Is CrossFit safe for seniors? According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, only 28-34% of adults in the 65-74 year age bracket are physically active.

Inactivity can cause many problems including slower metabolism, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and an increased risk of heart disease. Thus exercise is important regardless of age.

Exercise is a great way to get more movement into your day. And CrossFit is an intense exercise style that has grown in its’ popularity over the last few years. If you have heard about CrossFit and wondered whether it is safe for seniors, you are in the right place!

Is CrossFit safe for seniors?

With its focus on functional movement, and a supportive community of enthusiasts, CrossFit has grown wildly popular over the last few years. Many seniors are joining classes and seeing remarkable results in their quality of life.

They have better range of motion, more confidence in their movements, and make new friends. As the founder of CrossFit, Greg Glassman wrote, “The needs of an Olympic athlete and our grandparents differ by degree not kind.” There are definitely parts of CrossFit that work well for older adults.

But like any exercise program, CrossFit is not for everyone. Not all seniors will benefit from CrossFit. There are serious risks involved, including serious injury, and a condition called Rhabdomyolysis. This is where your muscle fibers die from overuse or injury and release nasty chemicals into your bloodstream. It can be a life-threatening condition.

That’s why it’s so important to speak to your doctor before beginning any exercise program, and make sure it’s appropriate for you. Once you’ve done that, you need to find a qualified coach.

Find the right coach

After getting clearance from your doctor to begin an exercise program, you need to find a CrossFit program to join. There are many different instructors out there, and not all of them have experience modifying the program for older participants.

There are gyms that offer a CrossFit class geared towards the elderly. If you have one in your area, this could be a good match. If not, look for a CrossFit coach who:

Evaluates participants’ movement and ability before beginning, and asks plenty of questions to determine their overall fitness level
Has worked with participants at a similar fitness level before
Is comfortable scaling routines for both load and intensity

Once you find a trainer you are comfortable working around, take it slowly at first. If you haven’t been active before, don’t jump into an intense five-day a week schedule. Slowly add more movement to your life and build from there.

Prevent Injury

Injuries are possible when you exercise, especially if your body isn’t used to moving. That’s why it’s so important to take it slowly. You also need to warm up before each class. This time to warm up your muscles is typically built into a CrossFit class.

It’s also important to cool down. Give your muscles a chance to slowly stop working when you’ve finished a workout. This helps reduce your chance of sprains and strains.

Don’t do too much at once. While your goal may be to lift a certain weight, don’t hurt yourself trying to get there. Instead, take baby steps to help you arrive safely at your goal.

CrossFit is competitive in nature. While this can provide motivation, it can also encourage some people to push themselves too far. Instead of trying to compete with the other participants, try focusing on your own goals. Just getting more active can have a tremendous positive impact on your life, so don’t get so caught up on being the best that you hurt yourself in the process.

Finally, remember that you are in control of your body. The trainer can give you advice to help prevent injury, but only you know what you are feeling. If you are in pain, stop and let your coach know. Get treatment when needed and give your body time to rest and heal.

CrossFit can be a good fit for some seniors

If done properly, under the supervision of a coach who has worked with seniors before, CrossFit can be a great exercise program for some seniors. But, it is not safe for everyone. If you’re too competitive, or find a coach who pushes you too much, your chance of injury increases.

Take it slow and have some fun. Your body will thank you for getting active!

Do you know a senior who is thinking about starting CrossFit? Send this article to them so they minimize their risk of injury.

I’ll come right out and say it: taking care of someone after hip replacement surgery is challenging. This is a major surgery with a long recovery time.

As a caregiver, your role will be essential in the recovery process. There are medications to track, personal care tasks to assist with, and therapy exercises to perform. If you aren’t prepared for what’s to come, it can be daunting.

Hip replacement surgery: 6 things to expect if you are a caregiver

To help prepare you for the recovery process, here are six things to expect. Take time to think through them now so you aren’t trying to do everything all at once after the surgery.

1. The house will need some modifications

Before surgery day, take some time to prepare the house for your loved one’s return. They will likely be using a walker or crutches, so keep your eyes peeled for potential hazards. Look for:

Cords running across the floor
Rugs with loose corners
Narrow pathways between furniture
Slippery floors
Commonly used items stored down low or up high
Showers you have to step high to get into
Stairs

Do what you can to fix these problems before surgery. Tack down the rugs, move the furniture, pick up some non-skid material for the slippery floor. Install arm rails to help get into the tub. Set up a recovery area on the main floor, close to a bathroom or temporary toilet to avoid stairs.

2. You will learn a lot at the hospital

Plan on being in the hospital with your loved one as much as possible. You want to meet with the doctors, nurses, and physical therapists to learn all that you can. Take time to listen and ask questions. Read all the documents you are given carefully.

You want to know:

The medication schedules
What symptoms indicate a problem
The recovery timeline
How to help your loved one with daily tasks
How often to change the dressing
When showering can resume
Any complications that can occur

Think through your questions and make a list so you have them all in one place. You can always call the doctor’s office after surgery, but you do want to learn as much as you can while your loved one in still in the hospital.

3. Your loved one will be in pain

Pain management is a critical part of care-taking after a major surgery. Your loved one will be in pain. Keep track of pain medication and give it each time it’s due for the first couple of days. Keeping on top of the pain now will help the recovery go more smoothly.

Once physical therapy begins, try to give pain medication about half an hour before the appointment. That way it’s kicked in before the therapy session.

In addition to medication, you can use hot and cold therapy to help minimize pain. Remember not to use ice for more than twenty minutes at a time.

4. You may need to encourage your loved one to move

Moving helps speed up the recovery process. Sometimes people need gentle reminders to move. Encourage your loved one to change positions every 45 minutes or so.

Help them do the exercises their physical therapist recommends. Be firm but loving. Help them to see that you are doing this to help them recover.

5. Lots of care will be needed at first

After the surgery, your loved one will need a lot of help. They will need help bathing, cooking, and maneuvering through the house. There will be dressings to change and oozing to watch for.

The first few days at home are the worst. There will likely be tears from both of you as you learn how to work together. Once you’ve made it through the first week, things typically get easier as you fall into a routine of sorts.

If you find the care is too much for you, considering getting an at-home aide or inquiring about a rehabilitation center.

6. Your loved one may have emotional struggles

Feeling helpless or worthless is a common emotional struggle after a major surgery. Your loved one may feel guilty about all the help you have to provide. They may struggle with fear about the surgery and recovery.

Be available to listen and provide encouragement. Reassure your loved one that they will recover and you’ll be there to help.

Do you know someone else preparing for hip replacement surgery? Send this article their way so they can share it with their caregiver.

Has your doctor recommended hip replacement surgery? You aren’t alone. Over 300,000 hips are replaced annually in the United States.

For patients with constant hip pain, this surgery can reduce pain and improve quality of life. Once you’re healed from surgery, you’ll experience better range of motion. Walking, sitting, and bending over won’t hurt as much.

But first, you must get through the surgery and recovery. Fear of these two things keep many patients from moving forward with the hip replacement.

To help you break through your fears, here is an honest guide of what you can expect.

Hip replacement surgery: what to expect if you’re the patient

Your doctor can explain the technical details of the surgery. Take time to learn about the procedure, and how it is done. Find out how long you can expect to stay in the hospital.

You will need to make plans to have help afterwards.

You will need help.

Hip replacement is a major surgery. You cannot jump back into your normal day-to-day activities immediately following. You will need help with basic tasks like dressing, bathing, moving to the bathroom, and cooking while you recover, especially during the first couple of weeks.

Even once you regain some motion and strength, you need time to recover. You won’t be able to drive for about six weeks, which can make getting to appointments or the store difficult.

If you don’t have a family member or friend who is comfortable being your caregiver while you recover, you have a couple of options.

You can hire a home care assistant to help you. A home care aide or assistant will come to your home and check on you throughout the day. They can help with daily care tasks and keep an eye on your surgery site to check for signs of infection. Another option is to go to a rehabilitation center instead of immediately going back home.

You will be in pain

Your largest joint was just replaced. Pain is normal. It can even get worse a few days after surgery, as your body focuses on healing. The pain may seem to radiate through your whole body, and you may even feel like you got hit by a truck.

Take your pain medication on time. Have someone help you keep track, because it can be hard to remember.

Even if you don’t like taking prescription strength painkillers, you need to for a while. It’s much easier to stay on top of your pain if you’re using your medication as prescribed.

If you are in unbearable pain even with your medication, contact your doctor.

Infections can happen

Whenever you have surgery, infection is a risk. Your doctor will likely give you antibiotics immediately following surgery, to help keep infections away.

You need to check your incision and watch for signs of infection like:

Site redness
Drainage
Foul smell
Fever

If you suspect an infection, contact your doctor right away. Don’t worry about making a phone call and having it turn out to be nothing. Your doctor has had false alarms before. They would rather be safe than sorry when it comes to possible infections.

You must move

Moving helps you recover from hip replacement surgery and reduces your risk of blood clots. You will likely be up walking with a walker the first day following surgery.

Make it a point to walk each day. Take it slowly, and gradually increase your distance and time out of bed.

You will meet with a physical therapist before and after surgery. Listen to what they say and do the exercises at home. It can help to take pain medication about half an hour before your appointment, to help minimize the pain.

You may struggle emotionally

Surgery can take a toll on you emotionally as well. While you are recovering you may struggle with feelings of guilt, inadequacy, or regret. You might feel bad that you’re causing all this extra work for someone else.

You may also feel isolated or lonely. While you recover, you won’t be able to get out as much.

It’s important to know that these feelings are normal. It helps to find someone to talk to about them. If you’re really struggling emotionally, make sure to tell your doctor. They can help you.

Remember it takes time to recover. But when you’re healed you will be amazed at what you can do with your new hip.

Know someone contemplating hip replacement surgery? Share this article with them to help them know what to expect.

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