Follow
Share

<p class="userway-s14-active">Today DH’s grandmother (age 99), who has been in AL since early this year, fell and broke her hip. She’d been weakened from a UTI. Family had been staying with her in shifts since Thurs. Her daughter had to leave for a bit today, and grandmother promised to use the call button for help. She did not. I was supposed to go sit with her yesterday, but my daughter got a nasty cold and we all decided I shouldn’t bring any germs around.Grandma will have surgery tomorrow. She’s been mostly Ok cognitive-wise , but a little confused since the UTI. A few years ago she fell at home, broke her other hip, and did fine with surgery and rehab. She went back home with family support. It’s not my place to say, but I think she should not go back to AL after this. I know there are different levels of care in AL, and thus far she’s been at level 2. Can AL handle a person who can’t walk or toilet themselves? Anyway, she’s a sweet lady, never demanding, and I hope she does not have any problems.

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Find Care & Housing
My husband's grandfather, who lived to be almost 104, broke his hip at 96 years old, and had a replacement.

He did so well with it, that the same doctor performed a knee replacement on him 2 years later.

After spending a few days in the hospital after each surgery doing his rehab, he went home and did most of the recovery there.

He was a lovely man, bound and determined to be able to walk on his own after each surgery. He did ***everything*** his PT people told him to do, and never, ever complained about it.

It all depends on the person on whom the surgery is being done.
Helpful Answer (9)
Report

Update: She did fine in the surgery. PT plans to get her up tomorrow. She went into this weak from being in bed with a UTI. I think the recovery will be difficult/limited. Since she’s been in assisted living, she was only walking a few steps to the bathroom, the rest was wheelchair.
Helpful Answer (6)
Report
Southernwaver Dec 12, 2023
Well, maybe she will be able to dig deep and rally. I’m so glad she did well with the surgery.
(4)
Report
See 1 more reply
I would wait to imagine her living situation until after her surgery and she's in PT. Your family may find that at 99, she doesn't rehab as well as last time and may require LTC. My 100-yr old Aunt passed while at rehab for a broken hip (I said no to surgery because I knew she'd be non-compliant to just about everything). She had advanced dementia and was still trying to get out of bed, not eating or drinking much because the change in venue disoriented her. It may have been a clot, which is a serious risk when you break or cut a large bone (I just had knee replacement surgery and the post-op was all about mitigating this risk). Make sure the family is attending her well while in rehab so that Grandma is at least eating and drinking enough to keep up her strength, and keeping an eye out for whether the pain meds are working or causing other problems, and UTIs. Lots to get through before you can know where she will land afterwards.
Helpful Answer (5)
Report
Oedgar23 Dec 12, 2023
She will definitely be attended at rehab, probably daily. Last rehab stay was during the worst of Covid so less visits then.
(2)
Report
At nearly 100, any recovery will be less than what it was five or 10 years back, and at this age her children are nearing 80. I’d advise that hospital keep her until they transfer her to a rehab with an snf.
Helpful Answer (4)
Report

I can’t imagine someone having surgery at 99 years of age. When my mom was in her 90’s her doctor told her that she wouldn’t be eligible for any kind of surgery.

I am so sorry that your family is facing this heartbreaking situation.
Helpful Answer (4)
Report
MeDolly Dec 12, 2023
I agree, surgery at 99, beyond my scope of reasoning. My mother is 98, no surgery for her, too risky.
(4)
Report
See 2 more replies
Very good news about your mom.

I hope her recovery goes well.
Helpful Answer (4)
Report
Oedgar23 Dec 14, 2023
Four times! Yikes! I’d have given up walking to church!
(1)
Report
Oedgar23, if she's taking pain meds (OTC or especially prescription) she might be very constipated, which can cut your appetite and make you feel ill. Maybe have a conversation with her or the nurse to see if this is indeed a problem.

After my knee replacement surgery I had this problem and I never felt hungry plus made me feel sickish. Even while I was taking prescription laxatives, drinking scads of water, taking stool softeners and fiber... it was very difficult to make headway with the constipation.
Helpful Answer (4)
Report

My mom's AL can not handle a person that can't walk or toilet themselves. This would be a nursing home level of care, IMHO. I think her path will be surgery, rehab and then where she goes next depends on how well she does in rehab and if she has any cognitive downturn from the drugs from surgery, etc. After rehab, she might be able to go back to AL. She may need a private aid in AL for extra help if the family is adamant about her returning to AL instead of a SNF.

Hope she does well.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

My mom had broken hip repair at age 90 under spinal anesthesia. She recovered well and was up walking with a walker in a week, amazingly.

This was after a stroke and after the onset of vascular dementia.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report
NeedHelpWithMom Dec 12, 2023
That’s fantastic!
(0)
Report
Wishing you luck, but this is terrible news at this age, and often spells the beginning of the end. I am so very sorry. I doubt that the ALF will take her back at this point as she is going to need more. Hope you'll update us.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

See All Answers
This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter