Dad is having a total hip replacement and wants to come straight home. We'd like him to stay in the transition unit and have rehab services. Is there any way to convince him to take his time with this?

Unless there are significant health issues, discharge to home may be the best way to go after a total hip or total knee replacement. A recent study from Canada showed that inpatient services cost six times more and don't yield any better results. And the rate of infection is higher when patients stay longer in the hospital or transition unit.

The cost savings is even greater in the United States with inpatient services costing 10 times the home-based rehab. When beds aren't available in the transition unit or rehab facility, patients end up staying in the hospital longer with even greater risk of infection and other complications (e.g., pneumonia, blood clots).

Many home health care agencies offer help beyond the physical therapy rehab services. Families who need assistance with personal care such as bathing, dressing, and other activities of daily living can benefit from this type of help.