Patient/caregiver was instructed upon fall Precautions during immediate post-hip replacement as follows:
- Do not use your assistive device, such as, walker or crutch, as a source of support to hold on to or push yourself up against during sitting and standing respectively. The assistive devices poorly support your weight during the task and do not offer a stable support, thus inviting a fall risk. While sitting, stretch the leg with bad hip out, bear weight on the good leg, and use the armrests for support, to slowly slide into the chair. While standing up, stretch the leg with bad hip out, bear weight on the good leg, and push against the floor with the good leg & against the armrests with both hands to lift yourself up. Do not rely on the assistive device until your weight is situated directly above the device.
- The grossly limited ROM in the joint during the immediate post-surgical phase can compromise balance and trigger a fall. Individuals must plan ahead for movements to avert falls and accidents. Do not rush during ambulation and take your time for your trips. If experiencing an exacerbation of pain, having a seat attached to the assistive device, as appropriate, can help with taking a break and resting during ambulation. Also, plan your restroom trips in advance. Do not wait until the last minute and rush to the restroom, which might risk a fall.
- Wear comfortable clothes when using assistive devices. Loose and frizzy clothing on the lower body can get entangled with the legs of the device, compromise balance, and lead to fall.
- During the immediate phase of hip replacement, it can be difficult for the individual to enter the regular shower, by safely lifting the affected leg and bending the hip. Having a walk-in shower can help avoid this stress on the tender joints. Individuals can choose to have a shower chair, so that, they can be seated while taking shower and avoid the stress of weightbearing on the involved hip. Make sure the shower chair has armrests, which offer better support to hold on to while sitting and getting out of the chair. Make sure the seat of the chair is a little high up, which makes the task easier.
