How to Find A Caregiver After Knee Surgery in Bothell – What Families Should Know
Jul 19, 2025
For families supporting a loved one recovering from knee surgery in Bothell, WA, the search for the right caregiver can feel overwhelming. How much help will they need? For how long? What kind of provider is best? And most importantly—how do you know who to trust?
This step-by-step guide will walk you through the recovery process, types of care available, trusted providers in Bothell (including us at Caringene), cost expectations, and key questions to ask. Whether your loved one is coming home to the North Creek neighborhood or lives near the Bothell Landing Park area, this guide is built to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Step 1: Understand the Type of Care Needed After Knee Surgery in Bothell, WA
Not all knee surgeries are the same, and recovery needs vary widely. Below are some common types of knee surgeries and what kind of aftercare they typically require.
Common Knee Surgeries and Recovery Expectations
Type of Surgery | Examples | Typical Recovery Needs |
|---|---|---|
Total Knee Replacement (TKR) | Severe arthritis or major joint damage | Requires daily help for the first 2–4 weeks with bathing, mobility, and household tasks. Physical therapy 3–5x/week. |
Partial Knee Replacement | Localized joint damage in one knee compartment | Moderate help during the first 1–2 weeks with walking, stairs, and dressing. PT 2–3x/week. |
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery | Meniscus tears, cartilage repair | Minimal support; often 2–3 days of rest, followed by light help with errands and driving for 1 week. |
ACL/MCL Reconstruction | Sports injuries | Younger adults may bounce back faster, but still need help with stairs, meals, and therapy transport for 2 weeks. |
Knee Fracture Surgery | Traumatic injury from falls or accidents | Extended care for 3–6 weeks. Assistance with mobility aids, daily routines, and monitoring for complications. |
Local Insight: In neighborhoods like Canyon Park and Shelton View, many homes have stairs or sloped driveways. This makes mobility support and caregiver assistance especially crucial during early recovery.
Step 2: Know the Levels of Home Care and Compare Options in Bothell, WA
Levels of In-Home Care for Post-Knee Surgery Recovery
Care Level | What It Includes | Who It's Best For |
Companion Care | Help with errands, light housekeeping, medication reminders | Arthroscopy recovery or mobile seniors who just need help with driving and chores |
Personal Care Assistance | Bathing, dressing, transferring, walking assistance | Post-TKR or fracture surgery where mobility is limited |
Nursing-Level Home Care | Wound monitoring, injections, pain management | Typically only required after complications or infection (usually through home health agencies) |
Home Care Providers in and Around Bothell
We looked into several well-known agencies serving Bothell, WA:
1. Visiting Angels - Bothell
Known for: National brand, flexible hourly care
Services: Personal care, companionship, respite
Address: 22722 29th Dr SE Suite 100, Bothell, WA 98021
Phone: (425) 828-4500
2. Right at Home - Bothell Area
Known for: Custom care plans, licensed caregivers
Services: Personal care, homemaker, transportation
Address: 10500 Valley View Rd, Bothell, WA 98011
Phone: (425) 232-1257
3. Caringene (Recommended Choice)
Known for: Same-day availability, affordable pricing, local caregivers
Services: Bathing, dressing, meal prep, housekeeping, errands, standby mobility assistance
Rate: Starting at $35/hour
Flexibility: No long-term contracts, schedule as needed
Website: www.caringene.com
“We were looking for help after Dad's knee surgery and didn't know where to start. Caringene found us a caregiver the same day who helped him get around the house and even took him to his PT sessions. We're so grateful."
– Jillian S., North Creek, Bothell
Step 3: What to Ask Home Care Providers Before Hiring in Bothell
Choosing the right caregiver after knee surgery is critical to your loved one’s safety and comfort. Here are the key questions to ask:
Essential Questions to Ask
Do your caregivers have experience with post-operative care?
Post-surgical recovery requires more than companionship. Ask about specific experience with knee surgeries.
Can we schedule care for just a few hours a day?
Many families in Bothell only need 2–4 hours/day for help with stairs, showers, and meals.
Is there same-day or next-day availability?
Discharge dates can change quickly. Immediate help is often necessary.
Are caregivers insured, background checked, and trained?
Ask to see proof. Especially for vulnerable seniors recovering at home.
Can the care plan adapt if needs increase?
For example, going from arthroscopy support to full-day help after complications.
Do you provide help with physical therapy transportation?
Bothell PT offices (like those near Canyon Park) may require regular rides and mobility support.
What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
Flexibility is key during unpredictable recovery times.
Step 4: Understand Cost Breakdown in Bothell (Post-Knee Surgery In-Home Care)
Costs depend on the amount and level of care needed. Here's a local breakdown:
Cost Comparison Table
Note: At Caringene, our personal care services start at just $35/hour with no minimums. We focus on making quality home care accessible in neighborhoods like Shelton View and Thrashers Corner.
Also keep in mind:
Seniors often recover slower than younger adults
Complications (like infection or swelling) can extend recovery
Some families continue with part-time care long after rehab ends for peace of mind
Frequently Asked Questions About Post-Knee Surgery Care in Bothell
Q: How soon should we set up home care after knee surgery?
A: Ideally, arrange care at least 2–3 days before discharge. Bothell hospitals like EvergreenHealth often discharge patients earlier than expected, so plan ahead.
Q: Can in-home caregivers help with PT exercises?
A: Yes. While they aren't licensed therapists, trained caregivers can assist and encourage safe movement, transport to appointments, and ensure adherence to post-op plans.
Q: Is in-home care covered by insurance?
A: Only medically necessary "home health" visits (like from an RN or physical therapist) may be covered under Medicare. Non-medical care, like help with bathing or meals, is usually private pay.
Q: Are there caregivers who can help with short-term needs only?
A: Absolutely. At Caringene, we provide flexible short-term care with no long-term contracts, ideal for 1–3 week recovery periods.
Q: Are caregivers familiar with Bothell neighborhoods?
A: Our team at Caringene lives in or near Bothell and knows the terrain—whether your loved one lives near UW Bothell, Bothell Landing Park, or tucked into the Brickyard neighborhood.
Final Thoughts: You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone
Caring for a loved one after knee surgery can be daunting, but the right home care makes all the difference. Whether you’re looking for help for a week or a few months, finding a caregiver who understands post-op needs is essential.
If you're exploring options, Caringene is here to help—with compassionate local caregivers, no-pressure scheduling, and same-day availability in Bothell.
Explore more helpful guides from our blog:
Visit us at www.caringene.com or call us at 425-298-6493 to get started or schedule a no-pressure call.