1. Inactivity

Depending on the severity of the injury, it could be months or longer before regaining motor skills following a hip fracture. During this time, your elderly parent may experience reduced mobility, preventing him or her from moving around the home or taking up an exercise routine. 

The inactivity could lead to other health problems, such as obesity, poor circulation, and an increased risk of a stroke or heart attack. In some instances, a hip fracture can confine a senior to bed, raising the risk of issues such as bedsores. Eating a healthy diet and getting enough calcium and vitamin D can lower the risk of a hip fracture. 

There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional homecare. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.

2. Increased Pain

A hip fracture generally causes swelling, bruising, and stiffness around the hip area, making it difficult to stay comfortable while lying in bed or sitting on a couch. Your parent’s doctor can prescribe medications to reduce the pain, but the side effects could alter your loved one’s vision and prevent him or her from staying alert. To lower the risk of a hip fracture, encourage your loved one to remain physically active, which can boost bone health and increase balance and flexibility. 

3. Higher Risk of Infections

Pneumonia is one of the medical complications many seniors face following traumatic hip fractures because the injuries affect inflammatory responses and increase the odds of lung infections. To lower your loved one’s chances of a hip injury and prevent pulmonary diseases, encourage him or her to avoid bad choices, such as smoking and excessive drinking. These are unhealthy habits that can reduce bone density and impair balance. Eliminate hazards in your loved one’s home—such as excess furniture, electrical cords, throw rugs, and clutter—to make it easier to walk around the home without falling. 

A professional caregiver can watch for complications, including infections, while your parent recovers from an injury. The type at home care, seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time.

4. Loss of Muscle Mass

Seniors with hip fractures often experience reduced muscle mass and increased body fat, which can prevent them from completing tasks independently. The loss of bone density and muscle mass could also raise the odds of cognitive impairment and new fractures. However, your parent can prevent a hip injury by monitoring his or her medications and reporting side effects such as dizziness and extreme fatigue to his or her primary care physician. The doctor can prescribe alternative treatment options to prevent accidents that increase the risk of hip fractures. 

Aging adults with hip fractures may need around-the-clock care while they heal at home. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional home care service Dana Point, CA, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated around-the-clock caregiver. If your loved one needs professional care, Assisting Hands® Dana Point is here to help. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (949) 426-7300 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.