Hospital-to-Home Program
The Joint Replacement Center
Many of our patients will go directly home after their Total Hip or Total Knee Replacement. The Hospital-to-Home Program has been designed with our patient’s safety and comfort in mind, helping to ensure a successful recovery and a smooth transition home.
This is a collaborative program offered to you by Waterbury HEALTH’s Joint Replacement Center, Access Rehab Centers, other rehabilitation partners and VNA Health at Home.
How the Program Works
Before surgery
Patients attend our Joint Replacement Class at Waterbury Hospital. During this class, patients will meet the members of our Orthopedic Surgery team to learn more about their surgery and hospital stay.
A physical therapist will visit the patient’s home to provide instructions for exercises essential to their individualized post-operative rehabilitation program. The therapist will also provide tips to ready patient’s home after their joint replacement to ensure they are safe. Any necessary equipment will be delivered and tested.
In the hospital
Patients meet their case manager and VNA Health at Home liaison who will coordinate their return to home.
For patients who are returning directly home
A physical therapist will visit a patient's home on discharge day to review the plan and help them settle in.
A physical or occupational therapist will visit a patient's home daily during the first week and five days during the second week after their surgery to help the patient transition to an outpatient therapy program.
A nurse will call to schedule periodic home visits to check vital signs and the surgical site. They are also available to answer questions about medication and recuperation.