Patient/caregiver was instructed upon fall Precautions during immediate post-hip replacement as follows:
- Clear all the cables and cords that can be on your path. The bad leg could not be lifting as high and consequently could get caught up with the cables and lead to impaired balance and fall. Assistive devices like walkers might need extra space to turn around the corners inside the house. Maintain a clear pathway to allow a free access along with your assistive device, at least for areas that you regularly access in your house. Moving furniture around, out of the way, helps promote comfort and ease.
- Maintain the floor dry. Any wetness of the floor can contribute to slipping, loss of balance, and fall injury. Avoid having any fluids spill on the floor. Get caregiver assistance immediately to mop the floor dry, in the event of a spill. Considering vinyl flooring or cork flooring for bathroom can offer safe non-slip options. Using a nonskid rubber mat in the shower can help avoid falls & accidents.
- Make sure the carpet in the house is evenly spread and secured. Uneven carpet with bumpy contour can impair balance and contribute to increased fall risk. Avoid having any throw rugs in the house, especially the bedroom and bathroom. The stiffness in the affected lower extremity of hip replacement patients can lead to the bad leg not lifting as high and risk the leg getting caught up in the throw rug, thus precipitating a fall.
