Home and Recovery

Everything we do at Corona Regional centers around one simple goal: to help our patients return to their normal lives as quickly and safely as possible. We want to get you back to feeling great. 

Planning for Your Discharge

Our discharge planning process is designed to make your return home safe and comfortable. A case management team will help you and your family make arrangements for all of your discharge needs. It is important to realize that you will need to make some changes and adjustments to your normal routine to ensure the fastest recovery possible. It is important to follow the instructions carefully and completely.

Going Home After Surgery

You can expect your healing and recovery to take six to eight weeks following your discharge from the hospital. During this period of time you should plan to balance periods of rest with periods of activity. Do no try to push yourself to progress to the point of pain or exhaustion.

You will be provided printed discharge instructions that give detailed information on the activities you should and should not engage in and the medications you need to take. Please be sure that you understand these instructions completely before you leave. If there is anything that seems unclear, please ask for an explanation from a member of your care team before you leave.

You will be given an appointment for a follow-up visit with your doctor to have your incision checked and your surgical staples removed. This is an important visit and should not be delayed or missed.

Preparing to Leave the Hospital

Here are some questions to consider and discuss with family members prior to your surgery that will be helpful in making your recovery easy and comfortable.

How will you get home?

Driving: You will not be able to drive home after your surgery and may not be able to drive for as long as six weeks afterwards. Your surgeon will advise you about when you can expect to be able to safely drive again. Please make a plan to have someone drive you home after you are discharged.

What Steps Need to be Taken to Prepare Your Home?

Although the goal of your total joint surgery is for you to be able to function independently in your home and in your activities of daily living, you should expect that it will take several months for you to achieve this goal after your surgery.

You'll need to make some changes to the way you live in your home during the first few months after total hip, knee or shoulder replacement surgery. Your mobility will be limited and your home should be safe, easy to live in and comfortable during this time.

Consider what changes you need to make to your home before the surgery that will help make your needs easier to meet as well as decrease your risk for falls. Store items (food, plates, glasses, etc.) at waist level so you don't have to reach up to high cabinets or stoop down low. It may be helpful to prepare and freeze meals prior to admission to the hospital. Make arrangements to stay on the main floor of your home.

What Should You Do to Prevent Falls at Home?

• Arrange furniture so there is enough space to accommodate a walker
• Consider a life line/medical alert if you live alone
• Make sure that stairs and hallways are brightly lit; use a night light
• Remove clutter, including electrical and telephone cords from walkways
• Remove throw rugs or tack down loose carpeting

Will You Need Safety Equipment?

Your case manager can help you decide where to rent or purchase any necessary equipment. Medicare may cover the cost of some equipment items. Equipment that requires installation should be obtained prior to your hospital stay so your home will be prepared for your return.

Here are some additional safety measures that should be taken:

• Install grab bars in the bathroom
• Install handrails on both sides of the stairs
• Install skid resistant strips in your shower, or use a shower chair