Caring for Someone After a Hip Fracture
A hip fracture is a serious injury for an older adult — but most people do recover and regain significant function. The weeks after surgery are critical. Your support, encouragement, and attention to the recovery plan make a real difference in how well and how quickly your parent recovers.
Most hip fractures require surgery within 24–48 hours. The type of surgery depends on where the fracture is and your parent's overall health.
Physical therapy starts the day after surgery in most cases. Getting up and moving as soon as safely possible leads to much better outcomes. Do not let fear of pain stop early movement.
Blood clots, pneumonia, pressure sores, and delirium are more dangerous than the fracture itself. Preventing these complications is a major focus of early care.
Hip fractures happen because of falls, and falls happen for a reason — weak bones, balance problems, medication side effects, or a hazardous home. Address the cause to prevent the next fracture.
Most people need 3–6 months to fully recover. Some recover more quickly. Being realistic about the timeline reduces frustration for everyone.
The surgeon will specify how much weight your parent can put on the hip. Follow this precisely — ignoring restrictions can cause the repair to fail.
Blood thinners, compression stockings, and leg exercises are all used to prevent clots. Follow the medical team's instructions exactly.
Pneumonia after hip fracture surgery is common. Encourage your parent to take deep breaths, cough, and use a spirometer if provided.
Remove all throw rugs. Install grab bars if not already in place. Consider a raised toilet seat, shower chair, and a hospital bed on the main level. See our Home Safety Checklist.
Physical and occupational therapy are the path to recovery. Missing sessions sets recovery back significantly. Make attending a priority.
Sudden confusion, agitation, or strange behavior in the hospital or after returning home may be delirium — common after major surgery in older adults. Report it to the medical team immediately.
Calf pain, swelling, or warmth — or shortness of breath and chest pain. These are emergencies. Call 911.
Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge at the incision site — call the surgeon.
New severe pain in the hip, or a sensation that something shifted or gave way — this could mean the repair has failed. Go to the emergency room.
New confusion after surgery, especially in the first few weeks — report to the medical team. This may be delirium, medication side effects, or an infection.
"What weight-bearing restrictions apply, and for how long?"
"What is the plan for preventing blood clots, and how long does it continue?"
"How much physical therapy will my parent receive, and where?"
"Does my parent need treatment for osteoporosis to prevent future fractures?"
"What are the signs that the surgical repair is not holding, and when should we call vs. go to the ER?"