How do I recover from a hip fracture

After fracturing a hip, you'll have a tailored rehabilitation programme to help you regain your mobility and independence as soon as possible.

Prompt surgery and an effective rehabilitation programme have been proven to reduce the length ofa person'shospital stay and helpthem to recover their mobility faster.

Multi-disciplinary team

Your rehabilitation will usually involve a multi-disciplinary team (a team of different healthcare professionals working together). The team may include:

• physiotherapists healthcare professionals trained in using physical methods, such as massage and manipulation, to promote healing and wellbeing; read more about Physiotherapy
• occupational therapists healthcare professionals who identify problem areas in everyday life, such as dressing yourself or getting to the shops, and help you work out practical solutions
• social workers people involved in providing social services, who can advise onpractical issues such as benefits , housing and day care
• an orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in surgery for conditions involving the bones and joints
• a geriatrician a doctor who specialises in the healthcare of the elderly
• a liaison nurse a healthcare professional who may be involved in planning your discharge and keeping you and your family informed about the care you're receiving

Rehabilitation in hospital

Aphysiotherapy assessment and mobilisation, such as weight-bearing exercises, should begin the day after hip fracture surgery.

While you're in hospital, your rehabilitation may take place in:

• an orthopaedic ward for people with bone and joint conditions
• a rehabilitation ward for people undergoing rehabilitation programmes
• a geriatric orthopaedic rehabilitation unit for older people with orthopaedic conditions

Being discharged

How long you need to stay in hospital will depend on your condition and how soon you regain your mobility. If you're otherwise healthy, you may be able to leave hospital three to five days after surgery.

Before you're discharged, an occupational therapist may assess your home to see whether you'll need any mobility aids fitted, such as hand rails. You may also be given a walking aid, such as a walking stick or crutch.

Your GP and carer (if you have one) may be told when you're being discharged so that plans can be made to support you. After you've been discharged you may need to:

• return to hospital for a rehabilitation appointment
• see your GP for a follow-up appointment
• have visits or telephone calls at home from healthcare professionals involved in your care

This will be discussed with you before you're discharged.

It includes information and adviceon:

• care services in your home
• moving and handling the person you care for

Age UK

Age UK, a charity for older people, has more useful information and advice about healthy bones and keeping fit .