How to Find A Caregiver After Knee Surgery in Lakewood – What Families Should Know
Jul 21, 2025
For families in Lakewood, WA navigating post-surgical care, especially after knee surgery, finding the right in-home support can feel overwhelming. Whether your loved one lives in neighborhoods like Oakbrook or Lake City, or near local landmarks such as Lakewood Towne Center or St. Clare Hospital, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from the types of care needed after surgery to how to vet local home care agencies.
Step 1: Understand the Type of Care Needed After Knee Surgery
Not all knee surgeries are the same—and neither are the recovery needs. The amount of assistance a loved one needs at home depends on their age, mobility, complications, and the type of knee procedure they’ve undergone.
Common Knee Surgeries and Recovery Needs:
Type of Surgery | Description | Who Typically Needs It | Typical Recovery Support |
|---|---|---|---|
Total Knee Replacement (TKR) | Replacement of the entire joint | Seniors with severe arthritis | 4–8 weeks of personal care, help walking, medication management |
Partial Knee Replacement (PKR) | Replacement of only part of the knee joint | Patients with limited damage | Shorter recovery (2–6 weeks), light help around the home |
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery | Minimally invasive procedure for repair | Athletes, active adults | 1–2 weeks of light support, help with stairs |
Knee Ligament Surgery (ACL/MCL) | Repairing torn ligaments | Often younger or post-trauma patients | Varies; some need help 24/7 initially |
Revision Knee Surgery | Fixes or replaces a previous implant | Older adults, post-failure of TKR | Intensive recovery, risk of complications, 6–12 weeks of help |
Recovery Support Table: How Much Care Is Needed?
Week Post-Surgery | Level of Care Needed | Care Tasks Typically Required |
|---|---|---|
Week 1–2 | High (4–8 hours/day) | Mobility support, personal care, pain management, meal prep |
Week 3–4 | Moderate (2–4 hours/day) | Transportation to PT, light housekeeping, medication reminders |
Week 5–8 | Low (1–2 hours/day) | Occasional help with errands, emotional support, safety checks |
Week 8+ | As needed | Long-term check-ins or none, depending on healing |
It’s especially important for seniors in Lakewood to have support in the early weeks, as mobility is limited and fall risk is high. In areas like Clover Creek or Tillicum, where homes may have stairs or uneven walkways, a caregiver can make the difference between a smooth recovery and a dangerous setback.
Step 2: Know the Levels of Home Care and Compare Options in Lakewood, WA
There are different levels of home care services, and not all are necessary for every patient. Knowing what your loved one needs is the first step in making a smart decision.
Levels of Home Care
Type | What It Includes | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Companion Care | Conversation, errands, light housekeeping | Independent seniors recovering from minor procedures |
Personal Care | Bathing, dressing, mobility support | Seniors who need hands-on assistance post-surgery |
Skilled Nursing | Medical care, wound management | Rare for knee surgery unless complications occur |
Live-in or 24-Hour Care | Round-the-clock care | Only for complex cases or patients without family nearby |
Home Care Providers in Lakewood, WA
Here are a few providers around Lakewood:
1. Caringene
At Caringene, we believe post-surgical care should be affordable, flexible, and local.
Rates as low as $35/hour
Same-day availability
No long-term contracts – flexible scheduling
Caregivers trained in mobility support, personal care, and companionship
Locally operated and focused on families in Lakewood, WA
Testimonial from Lakewood Family
“My dad had a knee replacement and I couldn’t take time off work. We called Caringene and they had someone out the next morning. His caregiver even helped with physical therapy exercises. It gave us peace of mind.” – Rachel L., Oakbrook, Lakewood
Learn more at www.caringene.com
2. Comfort Keepers of Tacoma
5931 100th St SW #6, Lakewood, WA 98499
(253) 945-1400
Known for: National franchise, offers personal care and companion care
Notes: Not always flexible with scheduling, higher hourly minimums
3. Visiting Angels
1401 S Union Ave #A101, Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 537-3700
Known for: Companion care, wide caregiver network
Notes: Often has a waitlist and requires consultation before starting
Step 3: Know What to Ask Home Care Providers Before Hiring
You shouldn’t feel rushed into picking a caregiver. Here are critical questions that families in Lakewood should ask any home care agency before hiring:
Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
Are your caregivers trained in post-surgical support? | Knee surgery requires specific mobility and medication knowledge |
Can we start with a short shift (2–4 hours)? | Flexibility matters, especially if your loved one is hesitant |
Do you background check your caregivers? | Safety and peace of mind |
What’s your policy if the caregiver is a no-show? | You need reliability, especially during recovery |
Can I meet the caregiver beforehand? | Compatibility can reduce stress and improve healing |
Do you serve the Lakewood area including Clover Creek or Tillicum? | Ensures timely service and familiarity with the area |
Step 4: Understand the Cost Breakdown for In-Home Knee Surgery Care in Lakewood
Costs vary based on hours of care, level of service, and provider. Here's a general guide for Lakewood:
Caringene offers $35/hour care with no hourly minimums and flexible plans, which can significantly reduce costs over 4–8 weeks of post-op care.
Long-Term Outlook
Older adults recovering from surgery often take longer to heal and may require ongoing support with:
Driving to follow-up appointments
Light housekeeping
Monitoring for falls or complications
Emotional support and social interaction
Without care, recovery can stall or even reverse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How soon can I start home care in Lakewood after surgery?
A: With Caringene, we offer same-day starts. Most clients in neighborhoods like Lake City or Oakbrook get paired within 24 hours.
Q: Can caregivers help with physical therapy exercises?
A: Yes, our caregivers are trained to assist with doctor-approved PT exercises to support recovery.
Q: Is in-home care covered by insurance in Lakewood?
A: It depends. Medicare usually doesn't cover non-medical home care. Some long-term care insurance policies do.
Q: Will I be locked into a long-term contract?
A: Not with Caringene. We offer flexible scheduling with no long-term commitment.
Q: What if my loved one doesn’t get along with the caregiver?
A: We’ll find a better fit. Matching is part of our process and your feedback is always valued.
Final Thoughts
Finding a caregiver after knee surgery in Lakewood doesn't have to be stressful. Whether your loved one lives near Lakewood Towne Center or closer to St. Clare Hospital, having the right in-home help ensures faster healing and peace of mind.
Caringene is built to serve families just like yours—with flexible pricing, local caregivers, and no pressure. Let us help your loved one get back on their feet, one step at a time.
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For personalized help or to get started with home care today, visit www.caringene.com or call us directly.