Every patient scheduled for total joint replacement surgery at the Lancaster General Orthopedic Center will be contacted to set up a pre-operative home assessment. The home assessment nurse will assist you in preparing for your hospital stay and begin the discharge planning process. The session will be conducted approximately 2-3 weeks prior to you surgery.

During the session the nurse will help you determine who your coach is going to be. Your coach can be a family member or friend. Your coach should be someone that is available to assist you following your discharge from the hospital and may be responsible to assist you with your home exercise program, provides some physical assistance, or just ensure your safety.

You will be provided a comprehensive total joint handbook. This handbook serves as a guide throughout the entire process. It provides information such as a pre-operative exercise program to help you physically prepare for your surgery. A virtual tour of the Lancaster General Orthopedic Center will also be provided to you and your family. This will familiarize you with what to expect during your stay and the amenities that are available for your family and visitors. Also included are a day to day plan of a typical hospital stay and an overview of your discharge instructions.

The nurse will also assess your homes set up, a brief overview of your past medical history, and the support that is available to you during and after your surgery. Once the nurse has gathered this information they will make suggestions on how you can modify your home to be best suited for your recovery. They may also recommend that you transition to an alternative setting for your recovery. Alternatives might range from staying with a family member, to a temporary stay at a skilled nursing facility. If it is determined that a skilled nursing facility is the best option the nurse can provide you with a list of skilled nursing facilities in the area, and an application to initiate the process.