Geriatric medical question?

[widgeon13]

Any geriatric docs or people with geriatric experience.

My mother, (94 years old) reasonably healthy for that age (not overweight , does have osteoporosis) but suffering from dementia fell last night and broke her left iliiac crest. I'm assuming that treatment would be bed rest in hospital or rehab facility with appropriate pain management.

I'm two hours away so have not seen or spoken to her.

What's to be expected as far as treatment and potential recovery? Sad story with the dementia.

This may be like asking the question "do you replace the floor panels on a 356 when you have to drag your feet to stop the car"?

[Nathans_Dad]

Hip fractures are tough on the elderly. If it is a non-displaced fracture or her operative risk is high then they will probably not operate on it. It all depends on how much mobility she had before the fall and how well they think the fracture will heal. Operating on fractures at that age is a tough decision.

Otherwise you can expect a pretty lengthy rehab time (6 weeks or so) as the fracture heals and she goes through physical therapy. Prognosis really depends on her state of health prior to the fall, elderly folks with hip fractures are very prone to complications.

[widgeon13]

Thanks very much for the response, I appreciate your time and always feel a little guilty asking this type of question.

She is quite physically healthy for her age but has been having balance problems recently, gone to her doctor (all is normal for her age) and he has recommended a walker. She has refused to use it. Unfortunately my mother is quite independent, stubborn and the dementia complicates matters. She is at a later stage and has been insisting she live in her condo and not asssited living facility. As a result, we have 24 hour care.

This more than likely will be a transition to assisted living or nursing facility following rehad. Thanks again.