Each year, around 300,000 people age 65 and older are treated for a hip fracture. The most common cause of a broken hip is a fall (most falls occur because the hip breaks, not the other way around).
After you've recovered in the hospital from your recent hip fracture and are sent home, you need continued care. Home health services are beneficial to you because rather than being admitted to a rehabilitative facility or assisted living center, you can recover in your own home.
It's vital that you receive continued care after you return home from a broken hip. Learn why it's important to hire home health professionals to take care of you after your serious injury.
A hip injury, particularly a fracture or break, increases the risk of death within a year for many senior citizens. This is due to the lack of mobility following a fall, the risk of recurring falls, and a general decline in health following such a serious injury.
A home health care aide will ensure that you rest comfortably and remain as safely mobile as possible to prevent future falls. They will also watch over you while you heal from your hip injury, thus increasing your chances of improved health for the future.
Home health care is about more than ensuring that your basic needs are met, including bathing, eating, and other self-care. Home health aides also help do basic chores around the house. While you heal from your hip injury (which can take up to a year), you will need assistance with:
- Checking your mail
- Doing dishes
- Vacuuming/dusting
- Watering plants
- Taking care of your yard
Your home health service will tell you what tasks they can assist you within and around the home. Some home health companies will even allow their aides to run errands for you, such as going to the grocery store or picking up prescription medications.
While you heal, you’ll need to make sure to have company over regularly to keep yourself from getting depressed. Added company can also help you heal more successfully by reducing your emotional stress related to your injury.
Home health aides not only provide physical support, they can be very emotionally supportive with their attention as well. You can have a home health aide play card games with you, read to you, or simply watch television programs with you while you rest.
Finally, your home health aide can report your improving condition to your concerned family members. Your home health aide will keep a report of your mobility, hygiene, and other improvements so you can let your family members know that you are healing well and that there is no concern for future rehabilitation or assisted living transitions.
If your health begins to decline, your home health aide will notify your family members and doctors immediately to keep you safe. You can then work with your doctor and concerned loved ones to see if further care is needed for your condition.
Every year, many elderly people break a hip, and positive recovery is key to continuing a healthy life. If you don't wish to leave your home while you heal from your serious injury, home health services may be an option for you.
Choose a home health company that is best able to meet your needs. You can interview a home health aide specialist before you hire their services to ensure that you have a person in your home you trust. Call us at Alliance Home Care VNA for your home health care needs today.
