Age, lifestyle, overall health, and the extent of the hip injury all affect the recovery process. Treatment may include both invasive and non-invasive methods after diagnosis.
Short-term and long-term care options aim to provide the best quality of life possible. If negligence or abuse played a role, family members can file a claim for financial compensation.
Length of Time It Takes for an Elderly Person to Recover from a Broken Hip
Unfortunately, the prognosis of an elderly person is not favorable–20 to 30% of all older patients with a hip bone fracture die within 12 months.
Setting realistic expectations for the patient and their loved ones ensures that appropriate aftercare is both adequate and sustainable for the best possible outcome.
There are too many extenuating factors to accurately assess the length of time it takes, since age, lifestyle, and medical condition play a role. Only a doctor can provide a tentative timeline.
In general, the timeline it takes for an older adult to recover from a broken hip is:
- Physicians administer surgery within 48 hours of the break.
- Post-surgical hospital recovery lasts up to one week.
- Rehabilitation and acute post-care last for up to 10 weeks.
The goal of treatment is to heal the patient while keeping them mobile. Immobility leads to other health problems, like bedsores, muscle loss, and joint problems. Upon recovery, the older individual must participate in preventing future occurrences and may require ambulatory assistance.
Treatment Options for a Broken Hip Sustained by an Older Adult
Treating a broken hip is managed using both surgical and non-surgical options. Surgery is a standard solution since non-surgical options require the patient to remain immobilized. While this method may work well for younger adults, it may be riskier for older people.
The recommended surgery depends on the individual’s overall health and severity of the injury. Sometimes, broken hips cause other bones to move out of alignment.
The most common types of hip surgery include:
- Internal screws: Surgeons use small metal screws to hold the bones together as the healing process begins. Screws may also be attached to metal plates that run alongside the femur.
- Partial hip replacement: More significant damage and bone loss may require a doctor to replace part of the hip. A partial hip replacement is suited for patients with cognitive and mobility issues.
- Total hip replacement: A full hip replacement may be the best solution for more extensive injuries. Studies indicate that it may be a better long-term care solution with fewer consequences than other methods.
After performing x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a doctor recommends a course of action while offering you and your loved one the opportunity to review associated risks.
There is always an opportunity that the bones will not heal or fuse together correctly. Your doctor may share more information about this potential occurrence with you as well.
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Rehabilitation Care Options Following a Hip Fracture
Rehabilitation is an integral part of the therapeutic process. Your loved one’s medical care team will work toward getting him or her out of bed within the first day of surgery. Your loved one must remain mobile due to an increased risk of developing bedsores, which can further complicate recovery.
Upon release back into a nursing home facility, your family member will work with an occupational therapist to relearn techniques for daily care. The therapist may recommend that he or she uses a walker or wheelchair to regain independence and mobility.
Medication May Be Part of Your Loved One’s Treatment Plan
Pain is a common issue in adults who sustained a hip fracture, and can affect how long it takes for an elderly person to recover from their broken hip injury. His or her doctor may administer bisphosphonates to aid in the regeneration of bone tissue, which also decreases the likelihood of a second break.
Individuals who have kidney problems are generally not given long-term bisphosphonate therapies due to their worsening effects on an existing health condition.
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What to Do if Neglect or Abuse Caused Your Loved One’s Broken Hip
Due to the delicate nature of an aged body, not all instances of a fracture indicate that abuse or neglect has occurred. However, our nursing home abuse lawyers from New York say you have good cause to be suspicious, especially if your loved one seems to be the victim of frequent accidents with poor explanations behind them. A senior who slips, trips, and falls often or shows almost permanent bumps, bruises, or scars may be the victim of physical neglect or abuse, which is a red flag granting a thorough investigation.
If your investigation uncovers examples of improper or illegal treatment, you have legal options to ensure your loved one’s safety while filing a claim for their injuries, including loss of life. Contacting a nursing home injury lawyer is a practical way to understand your rights and the remedies available.
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Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm About Your Loved One’s Broken Hip Injuries
You may pursue financial compensation for the broken hip injuries sustained by your loved one. Call the nursing home injury lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for more information. You can contact us by telephone 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for a free consultation at (800) 842-6336. We do not shy away from tough cases, and we work on a contingency-fee-basis, so you do not pay unless we win.
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