Eight Things Your Mom Should and Shouldn’t Do After a Hip Fracture
Around 300,000 older adults fracture their hip each year, receiving injuries that require hospitalization. Women are more likely to fracture a hip. Your mom is now part of that statistic. What should she do and not do after fracturing her hip? Here are a few things to remember and how personal care at home can play an important role in her recovery.
She Shouldn’t Cross Her Legs
Sitting with crossed legs isn’t often advised for a couple of months. Your mom’s doctor will tell her the appropriate amount of time, but it’s usually between six and eight weeks. Remind your mom to ensure she doesn’t forget and go to sit with her legs crossed.
She Should Use Higher Seating
Sitting down on a low seat is challenging. Your mom may find it hard to get back up. Bar stools with a sturdy back and comfortable seat are helpful when it comes to sitting.
She may need a booster on her toilet. If that’s not possible, make sure she has a personal care at home aide to help her stand back up after going to the bathroom.
She Shouldn’t Bend Over
It may take several days or weeks before your mom can bed down from a sitting or standing position. She shouldn’t bend more than 90 degrees when standing up. If she drops something, someone needs to get it for her.
She Should Work With a Physical Therapist
Your mom should work with a physical therapist to regain a full range of motion. In between therapy sessions, she must continue doing the recommended exercises on her own to build muscle strength and aid in her recovery.
She Shouldn’t Stop All Activities
Your mom may need to limit the amount of time she spends exercising, but she shouldn’t stop completely. She should work out enough for the muscles to stop aching and take a break before straining anything.
She Should Use Heat to Help Loosen Her Muscles and Joints
Ice packs can help ease pain, but heat helps loosen your mom’s muscles and joints. Before doing her exercises, your mom should apply a heating pad for 15 minutes.
She Shouldn’t Sit With Her Knees Higher Than Her Hips
Your mom needs to watch how she sits. Her knees need to be an inch or two lower than her hips. It reduces the stress placed on the hip joint. It makes it easier to stand up, too.
She Should Let Personal Care at Home Help
Your mom needs to let others help out. She needs to listen to her doctors and do as they say. That might mean slowly building strength after a hip fracture.
Make sure your mom follows her medical team’s recommendations. Hire personal care at home aides to help her change sheets, do the laundry, clean the home, and get to and from stores and medical offices. Call an agency to learn more.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/falls/hip-fractures.html