Every year, more than 300,000 older adults fall and fracture their hips. Women are more likely to experience a hip fracture, and it’s often the result of falling to the side rather than on the fleshier, padded rear end. Most surgeons recommend that older adults who undergo hip surgery should work with physical therapy aides at least 20 minutes per day, as often as three times per day right after surgery. This is a big reason why your mom may not be released from the hospital immediately.

Once your mom does come home, how do you help her avoid complications like blood clots, rehospitalization, and additional falls? Follow these tips to help your mom during her recovery.

Be Ready to Support Her

For a few weeks, your mom will need some help. She’s going to need someone else to drive her to appointments and stores. She may want you to do her shopping and run errands for her.

Your mom’s ability to clean her home will be impacted for now. It helps to have someone available to clean her home, make her bed, change her sheets, and do the laundry.

Purchase Equipment to Enhance Her Safety

Your mom’s home needs to be assessed for any potential fall risks. If your mom has a bathtub/shower combination, she may find it hard to step over the edge for now. A sliding transfer seat is a better idea.

Does her bathroom have grab bars installed near the toilet and both inside and outside of the tub or shower? If not, have someone install them so that they are attached to the studs.

Walking is important for regaining strength and mobility. Your mom may need a walker for now. If that’s recommended, make sure she works with a physical therapy provider to learn how to use it correctly. If she’s not using a walker, she might have a crutch or cane. Make sure whatever she needs is available.

Look for an Exercise Bike

Cycling can be a helpful way to build strength in the legs and hips. You might be able to find an exercise bike for free within the community. Lower the seat to its lowest height to make it easy for your mom to get on and off the bike. It’s even better if you’re there to support her when she’s on and off.

As she gains strength, you can move the seat to where she wants it. You can also change the tension to require more strength when pedaling.

Arrange Physical Therapy at Home

If your mom’s surgeon didn’t mention physical therapy, ask about it. With a physical therapist’s guidance, your mom is certain to strengthen her joints and muscles, improve her balance, and drastically lower the risk of another fall. Call to learn more about physical therapy services that come to your mom’s house when she can’t drive.

Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/falls/hip-fractures.html

If you are considering hiring Physical Therapy Services in Mt. Vernon OH, call the caring staff at Central Star Home Health at (419) 610-2161.  

Providing services for families in Mansfield, Lexington, Bellville, Crestline, Galion, Shelby, Ashland, Ontario, Bucyrus, Mt. Vernon, Marion, Willard, and the surrounding areas.

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Stephen Sternbach

CEO at Central Star Home Health Services

With over 35 years of experience, Stephen Sternbach has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Star Multi Care Services since 1987. After the sale of the New York and New Jersey operations of Star Multi Care Services, Sternbach brought the company private where he remains President and CEO of this 40-million dollar company. With Sternbach at the helm, Star Multi Care Services employs more than 650 employees, in six offices throughout Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York.

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