The risk of hip fractures increases with age. And when you fracture your hip, you put yourself at even higher risk for other health complications.
Breaking a hip often requires surgery and extended rehabilitation. It’s essential to know the risks in your home to keep yourself from taking a spill.
Causes And Risk Factors
Aside from the impact of a fall, decreased bone health, or osteoporosis can increase your chance of fracturing a hip. Other risk factors include:
- Age, those 65 and older are at higher risk
- Poor nutrition, especially a diet lacking in calcium and Vitamin D
- Gender, 75% of hip fractures involve women
- Family history of osteoporosis or other bone conditions
- Physical and mental health conditions like weak eyesight or dementia
What You Can Do
It’s all about being proactive and taking preventative measures before you fall.
Assess your living space: Make sure walkways are clear of clutter, and sturdy furniture is available to lean on.
Install safety bars: Railings or bars in your shower and around high traffic areas of your home will help you maintain your balance.
Get a checkup: Visit your primary care physician and get screened for osteoporosis. You’ll use better wellness practices if you know you’re at a higher risk for hip fractures. Getting an eye exam is also a good idea since poor eyesight can contribute to a fall.
Stay active: Keeping active with exercises like Pilates or yoga will strengthen your core muscles and improve your balance.
Consider senior living communities: These facilities are designed to reduce the chance of a fall. Most are equipped with emergency call systems and other safety features so you can get assistance right away.
If you live in an assisted living facility, it’s important to take advantage of available rehabilitation and therapy services. Embassy Healthcare offers orthopedic care through our post-surgery and strengthening programs. Call us at 888-975-1379 or contact us online to learn more.
