Hip Fractures Among the Elderly

Health issues intensify when an elderly person fractures a hip.

2011-07-14

PHOENIX, AZ, July 14, 2011 (Press-News.org) Health issues intensify when an elderly person fractures a hip. In fact, 29 percent of older people who break a hip will die within one year; that's according to the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Combine a hip fracture with another chronic disease and morbidity can rise to 75 percent of those cases.

Unfortunately, hip fractures are on the rise. Approximately 300,000 Americans over the age of 64 break their hips annually. And, The large majority of those are women. Considering that millions of boomers will hit retirement age over the next few years, fractures could potentially double by the year 2040.

Much is being done about hip fractures. Osteoporosis treatment appears to be scaling back hip fractures and surgical techniques have improved to prevent more serious complications. However, preventing falls that result in hip fractures is the best defense. More than 90 percent of hip fractures in the elderly population result from falls; those who fall once are also more likely to fall again.

Ways to Prevent a Hip Fracture in Nursing Homes

Recent statistics show that preventing a hip fracture is vital to long-term health for those above the age of 65. Here are several ways that you can help your elderly love one prevent such fractures:

- Stay active - nursing home settings should have some form of exercise available for its patients that allow them to remain active. Weight-bearing exercises are imperative for long-term bone health. Also, those who are fit are more likely to have better balance, thus preventing future falls.
- Facility safety - ridding the nursing home environment of loose objects, including rugs is invaluable in preventing falls.
- Improving bone density - tests to show whether bone density could lead to osteoporosis is vital for seniors. If bone density is considered to be low, doctors can place the senior on medication to limit bone loss and improve bone density.
- Watch the side effects of medication - seniors often take a multitude of prescription medication. Many of those pills can lead to dizziness and lightheadedness. Caregivers need to be aware of those side effects from medication that could cause a fall.
- Vision checks - cataracts and glaucoma are more prevalent with seniors, so as eyes fail, doctors should intervene to help elderly patients see more clearly. Treating poor eyesight is crucial to preventing falls.

The Arizona nursing home abuse attorneys at Cullan & Cullan, M.D., J.D can help if you are concerned about the recent fall of a loved one in a nursing home environment. For more information about hip fractures in the elderly, please go to www.stopnursinghomeabuse.org.

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Hip Fractures Among the Elderly

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