After undergoing a major medical procedure, such as hip or knee replacement surgery, home is where you
want to be. Spectrum Health Lakeland offers a variety of specialized home-based services to help individuals
maintain or improve health. An experienced team of caregivers and therapists can customize a rehabilitation
program focused on strengthening, range of motion, function, and mobility in the home.
Available homecare services include:
- A presurgical home visit can be performed prior to surgery to identify any fall hazards and address
barriers to mobility such as stairs or showers.
- Physical therapists use physical activity and exercise to aid in strengthening, healing, and relieving pain.
- Occupational therapists help patients take care of themselves and manage daily living at home at
their highest level of independence.
- Home health aides support the goals of the care team and may assist with bathing and hygiene,
changing bed linens, or dressing.
“The first few weeks after a major surgery is an important time for the healing process,” said Joe Effa,
director, Lakeland at Home. “Being at home helps improve recovery by allowing the patient to be in their own
environment, lessening the risk of infection, and allowing loved ones to be near if possible.”
Typically, an initial homecare visit is made within 24 to 48 hours after the patient returns home from the
hospital. Patients are cared for in the home for around two weeks before transitioning to an outpatient therapy
clinic to continue their recovery. Lakeland at Home accepts most major insurances and can help answer any
questions patients may have regarding their coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.
If you or a loved one are preparing to undergo joint replacement surgery, talk with your surgeon about a referral to Lakeland at Home or visit spectrumhealthlakeland.org/homecare to learn more.