Senior Rehabilitation after a Fall or Emergency Surgery

Falls can cause injury at any age. However, senior citizens are much more likely to break a bone after a fall, particularly if they have osteoporosis.

Regardless of how old you are, what typically follows is the long road of rehabilitation. Sometimes, for safety or other reasons, this rehabilitation is better conducted in a skilled nursing facility

At Bladen East, our skilled, compassionate therapists have helped hundreds of residents get back to their normal routine through effective physical, cognitive and speech therapies.

But what does physical rehab after a fall or look like? What if you have to find a skilled nursing and rehab center after emergency surgery?

We’re glad you asked.

Emergency Surgery After a Fall: A Very Common Occurrence

It’s highly likely that someone you know (or yourself) might be planning to get hip or knee replacement surgery at some point.

Ideally, you can plan to have joint replacement surgery and schedule your rehabilitation at a skilled nursing facility. Then you are more mentally and physically prepared.

However, no one plans to fall and have to have emergency surgery. It can be a whirlwind of activity that leaves you wondering what’s the best physical therapy for seniors who need additional help.

And falls often result in broken bones and emergency surgery.

According to the Centers for Disease Control,  among those 65 and older, over 300,000 are hospitalized for hip fractures every year. Women experience three-quarters of all hip fractures.

Ninety-five percent of those fractures are caused by falling, and the chance of breaking your hip increases as you age.

Seniors are more likely to break a hip bone as the result of a fall. Often, this leads to a hip replacement.

However, if a different bone is broken, a rod may be placed to help stabilize it as it heals.

What Does Emergency Joint or Hip Rehabilitation Involve?

If you have an emergency that results in a joint replacement surgery, you’ll typically be in the hospital from one to four days. (You might want to check out this fascinating video to get a closer look at what happens during a hip replacement.)

Therapists will start working with you almost immediately after surgery as long as it is safe to do so.

Many seniors aren’t able to be discharged to their home after surgery. If that’s the case, then you’ll need to go to an inpatient physical rehabilitation center.

How Do I Know If I Need to Go to Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Centers?

You’ll likely be discharged to a physical rehabilitation center like Bladen East Health and Rehab if:

  • You’re not able to get out of bed without help
  • Your pain is difficult to control
  • You are unable to use an assistive device to walk
  • You have difficulty with everyday tasks such as eating and going to the bathroom.

What to Expect at Our Physical Rehabilitation Center in Elizabethtown

At Bladen East, we offer three distinct forms of therapy that will help you recover and enable you to return to your home. These include physical, occupational and speech therapy.

Physical therapy is what most people typically think of when they hear the word “rehabilitation.” This involves careful work with our residents through conducting movement exercises, learning how to use a walker, and improving balance.

Occupational therapy is vital for helping our residents learn how to do everyday tasks. For example, we may show them how to get dressed, brush their teeth or go to the bathroom. Sometimes, an occupational therapist may be able to provide assistive devices that can help our residents.

When you hear “speech therapy,” you may think that this aspect of rehabilitation centers on helping people learn to speak again. While that can be a part of the process, it’s only just one facet of this type of care. Speech therapists help those with memory loss and difficulty swallowing.

Our goal? To get your or your loved one back to your everyday life so you can return to the highest level of functioning.

Tips for Avoiding Falls

Since falling is one of the primary causes of emergency hip replacement surgery, we thought it would be a good idea to review some of the ways to avoid falls at home, and the process of Senior Rehabilitation.

Follow these tips to help ensure your safety:

  • Remove items like throw rugs.. These can cause tripping hazards.
  • Make sure your furniture does not block walkways.
  • Have a regular physical to ensure you’re in good health.
  • Wear non-slip shoes.
  • Avoid loose-fitting clothing.
  • Install handrails.
  • If at all possible, live on a ground level.

Bladen East: The Care and Compassion You Need in Coastal Carolina

Bladen East is a community of excellent care, a friendly staff and a relaxing environment. We’re located just a short drive from Wilmington, NC and some of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast.

Of course, we’re much more than outstanding care. We offer assistive living and skilled nursing care.

We’d love to show you why our residents love living at Bladen East. Contact us today for a virtual tour. But hurry, our spaces fill quickly.