At any age, breaking a bone is a serious injury that requires weeks of recovery time. However, for aging adults, a bone fracture is more common, and it also takes longer for them to heal. Among the most serious of these type of injuries is a fractured hip. These are usually the result of a slip and fall accident. Family caregivers with an elderly loved one struggling with a broken hip are going to have a lot to do to ensure they are comfortable and well-cared for.
Risk Factors for Hip Fractures
There are several reasons why seniors are more likely to fracture their hip more than any other age group. Elderly adults lose a lot of bone density with age, making them more brittle and easier to break on impact. Many aging adults also lose a lot of their coordination and balance with age. Poor vision, osteoporosis, vertigo, and general dizziness can also increase the risk of a fall that results in a fracture.
When seniors break a hip, they are looking at many months of recovery. During this time, they will need quite a bit of help in most areas of daily living. Seniors who live at home alone are especially vulnerable to stress and struggle as they recover from a broken hip. Family caregivers need to arrange for in-home care providers to help with all the household and self-care tasks that the aging adults can no longer do thanks to their broken hip.
Recovery Care for Seniors with Broken Hips
When it comes to recovering from a broken hip, elderly adults are going to appreciate any help they can. They will be dealing with pain, inflammation, soreness and possible infection. The doctor will prescribe pain medication and something for the swelling. Some breaks require surgery to repair, making recovery even more difficult. They may need to visit a physical therapist for a few months after the surgery to re-learn how to walk or use an assistive device like a walker or cane.
Senior care providers can do a lot of things for the aging adult. Starting with housekeeping and meal preparation and encompassing companionship and medication management, senior care providers can do a lot to make the day-to-day living more comfortable for the aging adult. Many seniors need help with self-care as well, as they are no longer able to bathe themselves, dress or even groom themselves.
Taking care of an elderly adult with a broken hip requires a lot of strength, stamina, and energy. Family caregivers are not always going to be able to attend to their aging loved one. Hiring a senior care provider to be with the aging adult when they are busy with other responsibilities is one of the wisest things a family can do to ensure their aging loved one enjoys rest and comfort while recovering from their broken hip.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care Services in Los Gatos, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.
Call (866)-940-4855
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