When I take mom home from the hospital what supplies will I need while she is recovering from a broken hip?
Answers
As an Occupational Therapist, I typically recommend the following for individuals recovering from a broken hip:
An elevated toilet seat, preferably with toilet rails attached, or grab bars installed around the toilet. (The taller toilets and the rails/grab bars make it easier for your mother to raise herself into a standing position from the toilet and to gently lower herself onto the toilet.)
A shower seat or tub transfer bench in the shower/tub. This provides her a stable, safe surface to comfortably sit on while completing bathing.
Grab bars placed in the shower/bathtub. Ideally, one grab bar (typically 24-48" long) should be placed horizontally on the back wall and one placed vertically (typically 18-24" long) along the front wall of the shower/tub. These provide a safe, stable place to hang onto while entering and exiting the tub/shower, as well as a place to grab hold of while standing to bathe her backside, etc.
Depending upon the extent of her broken hip, she may have hip precautions that prohibit the amount of bend she is allowed to complete at the hip. Inquire about this at the hospital and ask if her therapist has been working with her on using any adaptive dressing equipment. We frequently utilize long-handled reachers and sock-aids to help individuals regain independence with lower body bathing and dressing following a hip fracture.
Hope that helps! I wish your mother the best of luck and a speedy recovery.
Kelley Stokesbary, Licensed Occupational Therapist Home Safe Homes, Inc. www.homesafehomes.com
