Patient Education: Diseases Conditions Treatments & Procedures
Hip Fracture
Discharge Day 5
For patients discharged to a Rehabilitation Facility (HIP FRACTURE PROJECT):
Your health care team has identified you/ family member as being an ideal candidate for participation in the HIP FRACTURE PROJECT. Sunnybrook will make all the necessary arrangements to transfer you to one of our rehabilitation partners.
Upon transfer to the rehabilitation facility, you will participate in the Fractured Hip Rapid Assessment and Treatment Service (FHRAT). FHRAT is an improved model of care delivery for hip fracture patients designed to get you back on your feet as soon as possible following surgery so that you can quickly return to the activities you enjoyed before you broke your hip. This rehabilitation program is for individuals who are currently living in their own homes or who are living independently in another setting, such as a retirement home, and are able to return home following rehabilitation.
Our highly skilled health care team also specializes in working with individuals who have memory problems but are able to live independently or with a family member.
You can expect to be at the Rehabilitation Facility for 10 to 30 days. Before you are discharged, the FHRAT health care team will meet with you to discuss the outcomes of your treatment plan and how you can best continue to meet your rehabilitation needs.
For patients discharged home:
- It is important to keep as active as possible. Take many short walks during the day to build up your strength and endurance. You may feel weak and tired for a couple of weeks after surgery. Allow for rest periods throughout the day but do not sit or lie in one place for too long.
- Continue to do the exercises that the physiotherapist showed you to do.
- The incision no longer needs to be covered.
- You may shower/wash with mild soap but do not soak in a tub until the staples are removed. Dry the incision carefully afterward.
- The pain, swelling and bruising in your hip will slowly go away over a few weeks.
- You should make an appointment to see your family doctor 10-14 days after your surgery to have the staples taken out. You will be given a staple remover when you leave the hospital.
- You will be given a prescription for pain medication (and any other medications needed at home) before you leave the hospital. Follow what the pharmacist tells you (and the instructions on the label) when you pick up your medication.
- You will be given an appointment to return to the hospital to see the orthopedic surgeon who operated on your hip.
