Hip fractures are exceedingly common for older adults. Your elderly family member could even sustain a hip injury or fracture and not realize it for a time. It’s important as a caregiver that you are able to recognize the signs of a possible fracture and that you’re able to help her recover.
Call Her Doctor if You Suspect a Hip Fracture
You might think that a hip fracture would be something that would never be in question, but it definitely happens. Your elderly family member might fall or bump her hip in such a way that she doesn’t realize the damage that’s been done until later. Some of the signs to watch for can include severe hip pain, being unable to put weight on the hip in question, or severe bruising in the area. If you suspect any sort of problem, it’s better to just call your senior’s doctor.
Encourage Your Senior to Use Assistive Devices
Assistive devices are not appealing to many aging adults, and for good reason. Canes and walkers are often associated with people who are extremely elderly or otherwise infirm and that can be difficult to accept in terms of your senior’s current needs. But using these devices helps your elderly family member to remain stable both before you know whether she’s experienced a fracture and during the healing process.
Recovery Can Take Surgery and Time
For some hip fractures, surgery is necessary. Your elderly family member’s doctor may determine that part of the hip joint needs repair or replacement due to the injury. Even if surgery isn’t necessary for your senior’s particular injury, this type of problem can require quite a bit of time to heal. This might mean that your elderly family member needs to cut back on her activity level a bit.
Medications Can Help, but Some Create Side Effects
Your elderly family member’s doctor may also prescribe certain medications that can help her bones to become stronger or to prevent additional bone or hip injuries. You may need to keep in mind that your elderly family member may take other medications that have side effects that could make her dizzy or otherwise more at risk for a fall.
One solution may be to hire a caregiver from our home care agency to help your elderly family member with mobility after a hip fracture or injury. They can assist not only with mobility, but also with ensuring that your senior’s environment is safe for her to maneuver in.
If you or an aging loved one are in need of Caregiver Services in Stonybrook NY or the surrounding areas, contact the caring professionals at Star Multi Care Services today at (631)956-8835. We are the Right Choice for Home Health Care Services!
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