Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way, and for seniors facing fractures, the journey to recovery can be both daunting and demanding. More than 300,000 elderly individuals aged 65 and above undergo hospitalization due to hip fractures annually. For older individuals navigating the aftermath of fractures, the path to healing following such an injury represents more than just a physical process. It stands as a tribute to their resilience, patience, and the indomitable spirit demonstrated in confronting the unforeseen challenges that life presents.
For seniors navigating this path, the challenges to recovery can be demanding, especially when using the bathroom. The good news is that with the right aids and equipment, the road to recovery from a hip or bone fracture can be made significantly smoother.
You can consult Freedom Showers’ accessibility specialists to find the ideal bathroom products for a speedy recovery. In addition, seniors can use some other fracture equipment to bounce back sooner. Use the following guide to explore these different aids and equipment for seniors requiring fracture treatment.
Why Are Bone Fractures More Common in Seniors?
Understanding the factors contributing to the increased prevalence of bone fractures in seniors is helpful for implementing effective preventive measures. Several factors make this demographic more susceptible to different types of bone fractures.
Bone Density Decline
As we age, bone density naturally decreases, leading to a condition known as osteoporosis. This weakening of the bones makes them more susceptible to different bone fractures, even from minor falls or impacts. Reduced bone density is prevalent in postmenopausal women due to hormonal changes that affect calcium absorption.
Muscle Weakness and Imbalance
Elderly individuals frequently experience reduced muscle mass and strength, which contributes to instability, making them more susceptible to falls. This heightened risk of falling among older adults can culminate in various issues, including hip fractures. Muscle weakness not only undermines balance and coordination but also poses a hindrance to swift reactions, making it more difficult to avert falls. Falls, in turn, stand out as one of the common injuries amongst seniors, often resulting in different types of fractures. This lack of agility contributes significantly to the number of fractures in the senior population.
Impaired Vision and Sensory Changes
Changes in vision related to aging, such as the development of cataracts and macular degeneration, can reduce both depth perception and visual acuity. When coupled with sensory alterations impacting proprioception (the awareness of body position), these elements raise the chances of miscalculating distances and experiencing stumbles, ultimately leading to falls and potential fractures.
Medication Side Effects
Seniors often take medications for various health conditions, including fracture treatment, and some of these medications may have side effects that affect balance, coordination, or bone density. Certain drugs, such as those used to treat hypertension or sedatives, can contribute to an increased risk of falls and fractures.
Types of Daily Use Aids
There are many different aids seniors with fractures can use to treat or prevent fractures.
Mobility Aids
One of the primary concerns for seniors with fractures is regaining mobility safely. Mobility aids are crucial in facilitating movement, fracture treatment, and preventing further injuries. A reliable walker or crutches are essential companions for those with lower limb fractures. Look for ergonomic designs with adjustable features to ensure a personalized fit.
Additionally, rollators with wheels can provide stability and a convenient seat for moments of rest. Investing in these aids ensures a smoother recovery process and empowers seniors to maintain an active lifestyle during rehabilitation.
Adaptive Seating
Seniors often spend extended periods sitting, whether at home or during outings. Comfortable and supportive seating becomes paramount for their well-being. Adjustable recliner chairs with built-in heating and massage features can offer comfort and therapeutic benefits. These chairs provide customizable support, aiding in pain management and overall relaxation.
Moreover, memory foam or gel seat cushions can be added to existing chairs to provide extra support and relieve pressure points. Encouraging seniors to maintain good posture while seated is crucial for preventing additional strain on healing fractures.
Seating for fracture treatment goes beyond the living room or bedroom. Using rolling shower chairs or benches in the bathroom is also equally essential. This is particularly important for treating hip fractures in older adults.
Assistive Devices for Daily Living
Maintaining independence in daily activities is a significant concern for seniors during the recovery phase, especially while treating bone or hip fractures in seniors. There are many assistive devices designed for older adults that can make a world of difference in daily living tasks.
For example, medical alert systems can help seniors if they have a fall by alerting family or caregivers. Long-handled shoe horns and dressing sticks simplify getting dressed, reducing the need for bending and twisting.
Adaptive utensils and easy-grip tools can make meal preparation more manageable in the kitchen. Simple modifications like installing grab bars in bathrooms enhance safety, providing support when navigating spaces prone to slips and falls.
Orthopedic Braces and Supports
Orthopedic braces and supports play a vital role in fall prevention while stabilizing fractures and promoting healing. Depending on the fracture’s type and location, various braces are available. Knee braces, for example, can provide support during weight-bearing activities and can be helpful during a hip fracture treatment, while wrist braces immobilize and protect fractured wrists.
It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate brace for specific needs. Ill-fitting braces may exacerbate the issue, so a proper assessment is essential for ensuring optimal support and comfort.
Types of Bathroom Equipment
The bathroom can be risky for seniors with injuries, so it’s essential to incorporate the following fracture equipment.
Shower Seats and Benches
One of the most essential accessible bathroom equipment that plays a role in bone or hip fracture treatment is shower benches because they offer optimal support and ease during rehabilitation.
You can contact Freedom accessibility specialists when choosing the right shower seat or bench to ensure that the equipment provides a stable and secure platform for individuals to sit while bathing, reducing the risk of slips and falls, which is particularly important for those recovering from hip fractures. The selection process involves considering material, weight capacity, and design factors.
Grab Bars
Grab bars are indispensable aids in fracture treatment, providing essential support and stability for individuals during their recovery journey. These bars, strategically installed in critical areas like bathrooms and hallways, offer a reliable handhold to assist individuals in maintaining balance and preventing accidental falls, which is especially crucial for those with fractures.
You can find a large selection of grab bars for the bathroom on our website, and you don’t have to sacrifice style for function. Freedom Showers provides a wide range of safety bars for showers, bathtubs, toilets, and other bathroom fixtures, available in various sizes and styles.
Temporary Accessible Shower
Temporary accessible showers can be beneficial in facilitating fracture treatment by providing a safe and convenient bathing solution for individuals recovering from injuries. Our fold-away temporary showers can be set up by anyone within 15 feet of a faucet.
During the rehabilitation process, individuals with fractures may face challenges in using traditional bathroom facilities. Temporary accessible showers address these concerns by offering a barrier-free and wheelchair-accessible bathing space. This promotes independence and reduces the risk of accidents or strain during bathing, contributing to a smoother and more comfortable recovery experience.
Conclusion
Recovery from a fracture is undoubtedly a challenging process, but with the right aids, equipment, and effective fracture treatment, seniors can navigate it with greater ease and independence. From mobility aids to adaptive seating and bathroom equipment, a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation ensures a holistic and comfortable recovery experience. By investing in these tools, we support seniors physically and empower them to maintain their quality of life throughout the healing process.