Falls in elders can cause fractures around the hip, ankle, knee, shoulder or wrist. Some injuries require surgery, and even after a successful operation, many eldersare not yet ready to return to normal daily life.

After discharge, the main concerns are usually safe mobility, wound care, toileting, bathing and gradual rehabilitation.

Check Weight-Bearing and Activity Restrictions

Recovery plans vary depending on the fracture and the type of surgery. Before discharge, families should understand:

• - Whether the affected limb can bear weight
• - Whether partial or no weight bearing is required
• - Whether a walking frame, crutches or other mobility aid is needed
• - Whether any movements or positions should be avoided
• - Whether help is needed for transfers
• - When follow-up and physiotherapy should continue

For example, surgery to fix ankle fracture may involve stricter weight-bearing restrictions, while some hip fracture or hip surgery patients may need specific movement precautions.

If there is also a wrist or shoulder fracture, the usual walking frame may no longer be suitable because the upper limb may not be able to take weight safely.

Take Extra Care With Transfers, Toileting and Bathing

Everyday activities often become much harder after fracture or surgery.

When getting out of bed, the person should sit securely at the edge of the bed before standing. Family members should avoid pulling their arms to lift them up.

For transfers, keep the floor dry and clear, use a stable chair with armrests, and keep mobility aids reachable.

Night-time toileting contributes to fall risk. A bedside commode, toilet rails and night lighting may help if walking is still unsteady.

Bathing also needs extra care. Depending on mobility, a shower chair, grab rails and non-slip measures may be useful.

Monitor the Wound, Swelling and Pain

Once the person is home, the surgical wound and the affected limb still need regular observation. Families can look out for:

• - Whether the dressing remains dry and whether there is significant bleeding or discharge
• - Increasing redness, swelling, warmth or pain around the wound
• - A noticeable increase in swelling of the affected limb
• - Pain that suddenly becomes much worse or feels different from before
• - Pressure, skin damage or discomfort around a cast, brace or other support device

Wound dressing changes, suture or staple care should follow the discharge instructions from the hospital. Where professional wound care is required, a nurse can provide follow-up according to the medical plan.

Pain relief and other post-operative medications should also be taken as prescribed. They should not be stopped or adjusted simply because the person feels better on a particular day.

Home Rehabilitation: Relearning Everyday Activities

Families are often understandably worried that too much movement after surgery may cause further injury. As a result, some eldersspend most of the day in bed. However, surgery, hospitalisation and reduced activity can all contribute to loss of strength and function in elders.

The aim of rehabilitation is therefore not to avoid movement altogether, but to gradually restore safe activity within the weight-bearing and movement limits set by the orthopaedic team and physiotherapist.

Home mobilization may include:

• - Rolling and sitting up in bed
• - Sit-to-stand practice
• - Bed-to-chair transfers
• - Strengthening exercises
• - Standing and balance work
• - Using a walking frame or other mobility aid
• - Walking practice
• - Stair practice where appropriate

If the person is also having difficulty with bathing, dressing, toileting or other activities at home, an occupational therapist can assess daily function, assistive devices and the home environment.

The real goal is to help the person safely return to everyday activities, not simply improve movement in the injured joint.

Short-Term Private Care May Help During the Early Recovery Period

Some eldersare still unable to transfer, walk, use the toilet or bathe independently when they first leave hospital. They may also need wound care, health monitoring or closer supervision because of a higher risk of falling, particularly at night.

If family members cannot provide enough support, short-term private nursing or caregiving can help during the early recovery period. As mobility and independence improve, the focus may shift more towards rehabilitation and care hours can be adjusted accordingly.

YDCare can arrange home nursing, privatecaregiving, physiotherapy and occupational therapy according to the person’s needs after fracture, fixation or surgery.

Read More:

Fall Prevention for Older Adults: Home Safety, Rehabilitation and Everyday Care

Home Rehabilitation with CCSV: Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Cost Savings