HOW TO FIND A SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY THAT FITS YOUR LIFESTYLE

Life can take you anywhere until knee arthritis pain slows you down. Whether its walking, golfing, traveling, or playing with your grandkids, the activities you love shouldnt be limited by chronic knee pain. So, whats the solution?For many, knee replacement surgery is an effective option to reduce pain from arthritis and continue to live an active life. The great news is that there are several different types of knee replacement surgery, as well as advanced surgical techniques that can even speed up your healing.Whether you're just beginning to explore treatment options or preparing for surgery, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons at AdventHealth can help you understand the different types of knee replacement procedures and what to expect throughout your recovery journey.Who Needs Knee Replacement SurgeryThe leading cause of knee replacement surgery is osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that gradually wears down the cartilage in the knee joint. As the damage progresses, pain and stiffness can worsen over time, making everyday activities increasingly difficult.Common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include:Gradual knee pain that worsens with activityKnee stiffnessKnee swellingPain after extended sitting or restingKnee pain that continues to get worseIf you have osteoarthritis, your doctor will start by offering the most conservative treatments to alleviate your pain.Some initial treatments for knee osteoarthritis might include:Weight lossPhysical therapyAnti-inflammatory medicationsCortisone injectionsViscosupplementation or gel injectionsIf these strategies are not helpful and your condition worsens, your doctor might offer knee replacement surgery as a promising option to reduce pain and return to the active life you love again.Types of Knee Replacement SurgeryNot every knee replacement is the same. While a total knee replacement restores the entire joint with an artificial implant, some patients may qualify for a partial knee replacement, which replaces only the damaged portion of the knee and preserves more of the natural joint.What to Expect Before Knee Replacement SurgeryOnce you and your surgeon have worked together to decide the right treatment plan for you, youll likely need to make an appointment with your primary care doctor to assess your general health and clear you for surgery. You may also need an evaluation and clearance from your dentist.Once this step is completed, youll be able to schedule your knee replacement surgery appointment. You may also need a CT scan of your knee so your surgeon can more precisely customize your replacement to most naturally fit your knee anatomy and movement.In preparation, make sure you have someone who can take you to your surgery appointment and be there as your caregiver after the procedure. This person will be able to drive you home, get any prescribed medications and help maintain your comfort after surgery.Your medical team might also advise you to stop taking certain medications (such as blood thinners, NSAIDs like aspirin or other supplements) up to a week before your surgery date. Youll also be advised to fast prior to surgery. In most cases, you cant have anything to eat or drink (including water) after midnight on the night before your surgery.Some other ways to prepare your home ahead of time include:Setting up your comfortable space for resting and elevating your legClearing the floor and pathways of fall and trip risks such as rugsHaving ice packs frozen and ready for when you return homeWhat to Expect During Knee Replacement SurgeryYour exact recovery will depend on exactly what type of procedure you are having as well as your overall health. Some patients may have outpatient knee replacement surgery and go home the same day. This is especially true for minimally invasive surgical procedures. Other knee replacement procedures may require you to stay in the hospital from one to four days.On the day of surgery, you'll be prepped for the procedure and given anesthesia. Most knee replacement surgeries take about one to two hours to complete. Afterward, you'll recover under close observation before receiving instructions on pain management, medications, physical therapy and follow-up care. To help you safely regain mobility, you'll likely use crutches or a walker during the early stages of recovery.What to Expect After Knee Replacement SurgeryYour surgeon will provide you with a follow-up appointment and a prescription for physical therapy. Physical therapy after surgery is essential to regain your strength and get optimal results from your knee replacement. Physical therapy usually begins immediately after surgery and may continue for up to six weeks.After roughly six weeks, most knee replacements are up to 80% healed. After three months, most achieve 90% healing and by one year, most patients are back to their active lifestyle with nearly complete knee function and comfort.Whole-Person Orthopedic CareOur orthopedic experts offer advanced knee replacement options that put your whole-health first. To learn more about the services we offer, visit AdventHealthPortCharlotte.com.  

Looking for comfortable, worry-free senior living in Sarasota? Suncoast Club at Prestancia offers assisted living and memory care options in a beautiful community designed to provide comfort, convenience, and connection.With shared apartments starting at $3,875, residents can enjoy all-inclusive pricing that includes utilities, three meals each day, weekly cleaning, linens and laundry, daily trash pickup, and assistance with daily activities such as dressing, grooming, and showering.Suncoast Club at Prestancia offers a variety of room options, including private standard suites, one-bedroom/one-bath apartments, and one-bedroom/two-bath apartments. Additional services and accommodations are also available to help meet individual needs.Residents can enjoy inviting common areas, comfortable dining spaces, beautiful surroundings, and opportunities for social engagement and activitiesall while receiving personalized support in a welcoming environment.Located at 3749 Sarasota Square Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238, Suncoast Club at Prestancia provides assisted living and memory care with a focus on helping residents enjoy each day with comfort and peace of mind.Call 941-922-1669 or visit SuncoastClubSL.com to learn more and schedule a visit.

When an aging parent or spouse needs more help, families face a confusing set of choices. Should Mom move to assisted living? Should you hire a caregiver to come to the house? Or is adult day care the answer? Each option has real strengths, and the right choice depends on your loved one's needs, your family's schedule, and your budget.Here's a straightforward comparison to help you think it through.In-Home CareIn-home care brings a paid caregiver into your loved one's home for a set number of hours to help with bathing, meals, companionship, and household tasks.Best for: Seniors who need one-on-one help and do best in their own home, or who have difficulty leaving the house.Keep in mind: Costs rise quickly as hours increase, and one-on-one care at home doesn't always solve loneliness or provide much social stimulation.Assisted Living and Memory CareAssisted living and memory care communities are residential. Your loved one moves in and receives meals, care, and activities around the clock.Best for: Seniors who need support at night or around the clock, or whose care needs have outgrown what the family can safely provide at home.Keep in mind: It's the most significant life change of the three and usually the most expensive. Many seniors, especially those with dementia, find leaving home very difficult.Adult Day CareAdult day care provides supervision, activities, meals, and health support during the day at a center. Your loved one comes home each evening.Best for: Seniors who shouldn't be alone during the day, including those with dementia, who still live at home with family, and caregivers who work or need regular breaks.Keep in mind: It covers daytime hours only, so families still provide evening and overnight care.Why Many Families Start with Adult Day CareFor many families, adult day care is the middle path. It keeps a loved one in familiar surroundings at night while giving them structure, friendship, and professional support during the day. It also gives caregivers the break they need to keep going, which often allows families to delay or avoid a move to residential care.Adult day care and in-home care can also work together. Some families use adult day care three days a week and a few hours of in-home help on the other days.A Different Kind of Adult Day CareSome families picture adult day care as a room with a TV and a few board games. Town Square University Parkway in Sarasota is designed to change that picture. The center is a nostalgic, mid-century town square with 15 themed storefronts, and its daily rate includes meals, snacks, activities, medication management, and nursing oversight.Members can also access primary care, psychiatric care, therapy, lab work, mobile x-rays, showering, and grooming services on-site, which brings many of the benefits people look for in assisted living into a day program, while your loved one still sleeps in their own bed.Questions to Help You DecideIs your loved one safe alone at night? If not, residential care may be needed.Is loneliness or lack of stimulation part of the problem? Adult day care offers built-in social connection.Do you, the caregiver, need predictable time for work or rest?What does your budget allow over the next year or more?Talk It ThroughYou don't have to decide alone. Town Square University Parkway offers free assessments that can help clarify your loved one's needs, whatever you ultimately choose. Families in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and across Manatee County are welcome to call or schedule a tour.About Town Square University ParkwayTown Square University Parkway is an adult day center serving families in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and throughout Manatee County. It offers a nostalgic setting, purposeful programming, nursing oversight, on-site medical services, and free caregiver support. Call today to schedule a tour or a free assessment.Town Square University Parkway8450 Lockwood Ridge Road, Unit 55, Sarasota, FL 34243Phone: 941-277-5048Web: seniorsbluebook.com/senior-resources/town-square-university-parkway