Knee Replacement: A Safer, Smoother Recovery at Home
Knee replacement surgery is a frequently performed procedure primarily aimed at relieving pain and improving mobility for individuals with severe osteoarthritis. With an aging population and increasing cases of joint deterioration, the demand for this surgery continues to rise. A growing focus on maintaining independence has also contributed to more individuals opting for knee replacement procedures.
Why is Knee Replacement Surgery on the Rise?
Aging Population – As people live longer, more individuals require knee replacements to maintain mobility and quality of life.
Osteoarthritis and Joint Wear – The most common reason for knee replacement, often caused by aging, genetics, or long-term wear and tear.
Desire for Independence – Many people choose knee replacement surgery to stay active and independent for as long as possible.
Key Statistics
Approximately 55,000 knee replacements are performed annually across Canada.
The number of surgeries in Ontario continues to rise due to improved medical procedures and the increasing prevalence of joint degeneration.
Most patients are between 65 and 70 years old, aligning with the age when osteoarthritis becomes most severe.
Women are more likely than men to undergo knee replacement surgery, largely due to a higher incidence of osteoarthritis, especially post-menopause.
More than 81% of older Canadians would prefer to age in their current home.
Wait times in Ontario vary significantly, ranging from 14 weeks to as long as 76 weeks, depending on the hospital and region.
Preparing the Home for a Safe Recovery
After knee replacement surgery, patients are given specific discharge instructions to reduce complications and support healing. However, many homes are not rehab-ready, which can increase the risk of falls and recovery setbacks. With a minimum 14-week wait time for surgery, there is ample opportunity to prepare the home for a safe and smooth recovery.
Home Transitions Specialists Inc™ offers preoperative and postoperative services to ensure a safe, accessible, and well-prepared environment for recovery.
How we Help: Pre-Op Steps to Create a Post-Op Ready Home
✅ Patients are advised to avoid stairs — we create a barrier free design to accommodate mobility limitations.
✅ Fall Prevention — our team assists with sorting, organizing, and removing obstacles to ensure safe access throughout the home.
✅ Bathroom Modifications — we recommend and provide professional referrals for installation.
✅ Physical therapy exercises must be done daily — we help create a safe, accessible area for rehabilitation.
✅ And more…
Professional Support for a Stress-Free Transition
A well-prepared home leads to a faster, safer recovery.
Home Transitions Specialists Inc™ offers comprehensive Consulting and Planning Service to ensure the home is fully prepared before surgery. We also provide postoperative non-medical support, helping to maintain a clean, organized, and accessible living space, reducing stress for patients, home care providers, and caregivers.
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Resources for this article: 150.statcan.gc.ca / ontariohealth.ca / cihi.ca / marchofdimes.ca / pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
