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Surviving a Fractured Hip
By L.
Theresa Pantanella, OTR.
Some preparation before a loved one
comes home from the hospital will reduce the demands on
the caregiver, and will facilitate recovery. It is
recommended the caregiver purchase:
-
A reacher. This will enable your loved one to pick up
items from the floor or those just "out of reach". Also,
this device will enable your loved one to don pants or
underwear.
-
A long shoe horn. This will allow shoes to be donned
without bending forward.
-
Shoes that do not tie. Either loafers or tennis shoes
with velcro closures are better. For ladies, a simple
slip-on style without heels is another option.
-
A long handled bath sponge. This will enable your
loved one to bathe their legs without bending forward.
-
A bath seat with a back for in the bathtub or shower
stall. Sitting while showering will conserve your loved
one's energy and will eliminate the possibility of a
fall while bathing. Features to consider are rubber tips
on all four legs to keep the seat from sliding. Anodized
aluminum construction to prevent rust, and adjustable
legs to raise or lower the seat height.
-
A hand held shower head. Sitting in a shower with a
fixed head will give the sensation of being in a
waterfall. Having a hand held shower head will give
control over the direction of the water flow.
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