Seniors and their families connect with elderly care providers for a myriad of health-related issues.
One of the most serious of these is the loss of mobility. There are many ailments that can hamper mobility; of them, a hip fracture is one of the most detrimental to elders. As seniors age, the durability and strength of their bones become compromised making them more susceptible to bruises and breaks. This is especially true for elderly women who are more prone to the bone-weakening disease osteoporosis.
For seniors whose bones are already weakened, falling on their side can result in a break between the top of the thigh bone (femur) and the hip. Annually, more than 300,000 people aged 65 and older are hospitalized due to hip fractures, of which 95% are the result of sideways falls. 30% of all hip fractures prove fatal within twelve months, making it an injury to seniors that should not be taken lightly. Elderly care providers can provide specialized support to seniors who are at risk of or have sustained, a fall.
What makes hip fractures so debilitating?
Breaks to the hip are devastating to seniors because of its effect not only on the physical body but also the mind. Physically, hip fractures can amplify other adverse conditions in the body. It can lead to changes in how the body processes food and converts it to energy. Surgery following a broken hip can lead to additional health risks from blood clots, infections, or additional fractures during surgery. Mentally, seniors’ response to falling may be to stop all activities to lower the risk of falling again. The lack of activity is likely to raise the risk of developing other ailments associated with a sedentary lifestyle.
Seeking help for prevention or recovery
Hip fractures are life-changing injuries for the elderly and will almost always require assistance to recover. It is difficult for seniors to make a full recovery from a hip fracture as:
- 90% will need help climbing a minimal amount of stairs
- 66% will not be able to lift themselves off the toilet
- 50% cannot rise from a chair
- 31% cannot get out of bed unassisted
- 20% cannot put their pants on
Elderly care providers can help seniors with preventing initial falls or facilitate in the recovery from a hip break, as both require similar treatments:
Exercise: Strengthening the muscles around bones can prevent damage to the bone if a fall occurs. This is also important in recovering from a fracture so the senior can become active and resume some level of independence. More movement and activity also reduce the risk of depression that can come with the fear of falling again. Elderly care providers are trained to help their patients with proper exercises.
Proper diet: Diets complete with protein and vitamin D aid with the strengthening of bones. Strong bones are less susceptible to damage from falls. Elderly care services can include prior diet guidance and food preparation.
Assessing the home for trip hazards: Whether preventing a fall or recovering from one, the removal of items such as area rugs and broken stairs or tiles, or the installation of handles or railings for additional support can lessen the risk for falls and lead to peace of mind around the home.
Persistence: Recovering from a fall or fracture can be a long and arduous process. Elderly care providers can support seniors through adverse times, helping them to build from small goals and reach larger ones.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care in San Mateo CA, call the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care. Call today: (415) 795-2203
Sources
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
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