The Coach’s Guide to Joint Replacement Surgery Coach Definition: A coach is someone who will help you do your best by removing obstacles, helping you set goals, and motivating you to remain active in your recovery. The coach may be your spouse, child, close friend, or a combination of these people.
Coach Expectations: A coach should be compassionate and patient, with good observation, organization and listening abilities. Coaches are the cheerleaders for their loved one.
Time Commitment: • Remind the patient to do exercises at home, two to three times per day, as needed. • Attend outpatient physical therapy sessions with the patient, if needed (usually three times per week, 30 to 45 minutes per session).
Responsibilities: • Motivate your loved one to be as independent as possible. • Encourage the patient to do pre- and post-operative
• Assist with discharge from the hospital (transportation, medication, equipment, etc.). • Do (or arrange for) the shopping, cleaning, cooking, laundry and errands. • Encourage adequate pain control both in the hospital and after discharge (medication, ice, elevation, etc.). • Keep track of medical appointments and provide transportation to and from the hospital, the surgeon’s office, the physical therapist’s office, and any other appointments. • Pick up prescriptions or arrange for delivery of prescriptions. • Manage finances, including paying regular household bills and handling insurance paperwork. • Communicate with the health care team about any changes or concerns. • Minimal, if any, lifting, carrying, or bathing will be required of the coach. • If possible, find an alternate coach if you are unable to attend or assist. (Two are always better than one!)
exercises daily.
164 Summit Avenue, Providence, RI 401-793-5852 • Brownhealth.org/TJC totaljointcenter@brownhealth.org
BUHMC 0125