Caring for an elderly family member who has broken their hip can be a challenging and very demanding experience both emotionally and physically. If you don’t know how to care for an older person with a hip fracture, the first thing you should know is that recovery from hip surgery often involves a prolonged period of immobility and rehabilitation.
This means that it will be necessary to provide constant care to help the person with daily activities, care, hygiene, feeding, etc. without forgetting to provide help so that you can practice rehabilitation exercises at home, as well as facilitate medical visits, physiotherapy sessions, etc.
Home adaptations may also possibly be necessary to ensure patient safety and comfort. This could include installing guardrails, removing obstacles, and creating an accessible environment.
If you are concerned about how to care for an elderly person with a hip fracture, we will immediately provide you with the necessary steps that will help you achieve a quick and successful recovery.
Common causes of a hip fracture in older people
Before explaining how to care for an elderly person with a hip fracture, it is important to understand what its causes are. The truth is that a hip fracture, which is actually a break in the neck of the femur, is a fairly common injury in older people, as it is often associated with loss of bone density and fragility of the bones. Some of the most common causes are:
- Osteoporosis. This is a condition in which the bones lose density and become brittle. People with osteoporosis have a higher risk of bone fractures, and the hip is a common location.
- Falls. Falls are one of the main causes of hip fractures in older people. Loss of balance, decreased muscle strength, and other mobility problems increase the risk of falls.
- Weakening of bones. In addition to osteoporosis, there are other medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or cancer, that can weaken bones and increase the risk of fractures.
- Advanced age. As people age, bone quality tends to decrease. This makes bones more susceptible to fractures, even with minor injuries.
- Medicines. Some medications, especially those that affect and decrease bone density, can increase the risk of hip fracture.
- Vision impairment. Decreased visual acuity can increase the risk of falls and, therefore, hip fractures.
- Balance and gait problems. Disturbances in gait and balance problems, whether due to neurological or muscular problems, can increase the risk of falls and fractures.
- Malnutrition. A diet deficient in calcium and vitamin D can also contribute to the loss of bone density and increase the risk of fractures.
- Sedentary lifestyle. We cannot forget that lack of physical activity can weaken bones and muscles, which increases the risk of falls and fractures.
Basic guidelines for caring for an older person who has broken their hip
After discharge from the hospital, if you do not know how to care for a patient with a hip fracture, here are some basic guidelines that are essential for a good recovery process:
Home security
Try to remove all obstacles from the house and create a safe environment to prevent falls. It is also advisable to place non-slip rugs, especially in the bathroom and kitchen, and make sure that the passage areas are well lit. If necessary, it is also a good idea to install handrails in strategic places, such as hallways and bathrooms.
Assistance with mobility
Helps the patient to move carefully, avoiding sudden movements. The elderly person can use mobility aids, such as walkers or canes, according to the recommendation of health professionals for each case.
Personal care
People who have recently undergone hip fracture surgery should have help with personal hygiene, bathing and dressing. It is recommended to sleep on your back for the first three months and, when the patient feels ready to sleep on their side, it is advisable to place a pillow between their legs.
Monitor medication administration
Administers medications to the elderly person, according to medical indications.
Rehabilitation and physiotherapy
As soon as you are discharged, the patient must visit the physiotherapist to prescribe the moderate physical exercises necessary to strengthen the muscles near the hip and begin to regain mobility as soon as possible.
The participation of older people in rehabilitation and physiotherapy programs must be facilitated and supported. And, in turn, we must make sure to perform the exercises recommended by health professionals at home.
Wound care
If there is a surgical incision, follow medical instructions for wound care. If we observe signs of infection, such as redness, discharge in the wound, it is necessary to communicate any changes to the health professional.
Nutrition
Make sure the elderly person receives a balanced and nutrient-rich diet to facilitate their recovery. You can consult with a nutritionist if it is necessary to adapt the diet to your specific needs.
Family planning and support
It is advisable to coordinate with other family members to share responsibilities in caring for an elderly person with a hip fracture. It is even worth considering the possibility of seeking external support, if necessary.
Emotional support
In addition to all the care mentioned, we cannot forget the need to offer emotional support to the patient. Encourage him to participate in recreational or social activities that are adapted to his abilities.
How to prevent hip fractures in older people
Preventing hip fractures in older adults involves addressing several risk factors and taking a series of steps to strengthen bones, improve safety at home, and encourage a healthy lifestyle:
Bone health care
It is advisable to ensure that the elderly person receives enough calcium and vitamin D through a balanced diet or supplements, as well as from the sun. Regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or low-impact exercise, should be encouraged to help strengthen bones and muscles.
Fall prevention
To prevent fractures of the hip or other bones in the body, it is very important to identify and correct possible fall risks at home. This may require installing handrails in hallways and bathrooms, and using non-slip mats. It is also important to ensure that there is good lighting in all areas of the house.
Take care of your vision and hearing
It is advisable for the elderly person to have regular vision and hearing exams, since problems in these senses can increase the risk of falls.
Appropriate footwear
It is important that the elderly person wears appropriate, non-slip footwear, both indoors and outdoors.
Management of osteoporosis
If the elderly person has osteoporosis, it is advisable to work with their doctor on a treatment plan that includes medications and other measures to strengthen the bones.
Education and awareness
Do not forget that the prevention of hip fractures also involves the collaboration of the elderly person. That is why the person must be informed and encouraged to have a proactive attitude towards personal safety and avoid behaviors or actions that may be dangerous.
As we see, it is not easy to know how to care for an elderly person with a hip fracture. The fact that recovery takes several weeks and implies the need for constant attention makes many families consider admitting the person to a specialized rehabilitation center, where a team of professionals is in charge of therapy in a safe environment that covers all their needs.
