Broken Hips in Nursing Homes

Broken hips are extremely painful, but they can also lead to significant health complications, long recovery times, or even death. If your loved one is in a nursing home and experienced a broken hip, you probably have a lot of questions about how the injury happened, the severity of their condition, the treatment process, and the recovery outlook. The attorneys at Garcia & Artigliere have answers.

How serious is a broken hip in the elderly?

UCLA Health reports that more than 300,000 adults over the age of 65 are admitted to the hospital every year for a hip fracture. Most fractures that take place in this population occur because of falls. While a broken hip is a severe injury for anyone, for elderly individuals, it can be life-threatening. Certain underlying health conditions – like osteoporosis – can make older adults more vulnerable to fractures, even from minor accidents.

Elderly individuals also face a greater risk of complications related to hip fractures. For instance, they may experience blood clots, infections, or pneumonia. In fact, studies show that up to 30% of elderly individuals who suffer a broken hip die within a year of that injury. Those deaths are often due to complications or a decline in overall health.

What happens when an elderly person breaks their hip?

When anyone breaks a hip, but especially an elderly person, the effects are immediate and severe. Hip fractures are extremely painful. Patients may find it impossible to stand or walk because of the injury. Most elderly patients with a broken hip require immediate hospitalization for diagnosis and treatment. Extended periods of immobility can lead to muscle atrophy, bedsores, and other complications like infections or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Suffering such a serious injury has emotional consequences as well. It’s not uncommon for elderly individuals to experience anxiety, fear, and depression following a hip fracture.

How do they treat a broken hip in the elderly?

Doctors typically treat a broken hip with a combination of surgery, medication, and physical therapy. The approach will depend on the type of fracture and the patient’s overall health. However, the process typically goes as follows:

• Doctors use X-rays or CT scans to confirm the fracture and determine its severity.
• If the fracture is severe, part or all of the hip joint may need to be replaced.
• Metal screws, rods, or plates may be used to stabilize the bone.
• Doctors may use medications to manage the patient’s pain.
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy usually start shortly after surgery to help the patient regain strength and mobility.

What is the recovery process for a broken hip?

Recovering from a broken hip can be a lengthy and difficult process. Patients often need to make physical, emotional, and social adjustments.

Following surgery, patients typically start physical therapy within a day or two to help them regain strength and mobility. The goal is to prevent complications and get the patient moving as soon as possible. Many elderly individuals require weeks or months of physical therapy to regain their ability to walk or perform daily activities, and rehabilitation may occur in a hospital, a nursing home, or at home with the help of visiting therapists.

Some patients make a full recovery, but others may face long-term issues with mobility or require ongoing assistance with daily activities. In more severe cases, a broken hip can lead to permanent disability or the need for long-term care.

Depression, anxiety, and frustration are common during recovery. Support from family, friends, and mental health professionals can make a big difference.

How long is a hospital stay for a broken hip in the elderly?

Virginia Commonwealth University reports that the average length of hospital stay for a broken hip is 6.3 days. The length of someone’s stay varies depending on factors like the type of surgery, the patient’s overall health, and how quickly they can begin physical therapy.

During the stay in the hospital, doctors focus on stabilizing the patient after surgery, managing pain, preventing complications like infections or blood clots, and starting rehabilitation early to encourage movement and reduce the risk of immobility-related issues.

Some patients may need to move to a rehabilitation center or skilled nursing facility after leaving the hospital to continue with their recovery.

Why do broken hips happen in nursing homes?

Nursing home residents are at high risk of hip fractures. Some common factors that increase the risk of broken hips in this setting include:

• Frequent falls: Falling is the leading cause of hip fractures among the elderly. In nursing homes, wet floors, poor lighting, or lack of mobility aids can all make it more likely that a person will fall.
• Osteoporosis: Many elderly residents have weakened bones, making them more prone to fractures. Nearly one in five women over 50 experience osteoporosis, which greatly increases the risk of serious injuries resulting from a fall.
• Neglect: Inadequate supervision or failure to assist residents can lead to preventable accidents.

If your loved one suffered a broken hip in a nursing home, it’s essential to act quickly to protect their rights and well-being. Nursing homes have a responsibility to provide a safe environment and proper care, and when they fail, families deserve answers. Contact the experienced nursing home abuse attorneys at Garcia & Artigliere today for a free consultation. We’re prepared to listen to your story, investigate the circumstances, and fight to hold the facility accountable while seeking the justice and compensation your family deserves. Please call our office or submit our contact form for a free case review today. We have offices in Long Beach, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Phoenix for your convenience.