Do I have to buy hip protectors?
The aged care facility have asked me to buy hip protectors for my father. The nurses say it's part of a falls program to wear them but I feel pressured into spending money on something he won't wear. He has Parkinson's disease and fell at home. He is also reluctant or forgets to use the walking frame we got him.
Hip protectors will protect the hips against damage if you father falls but only if he is compliant and wears them correctly. You don't have to buy them, hip protectors won't stop your father from falling in the first place but if he has a history of falls and is high risk (he won't use a frame) it may be wise to try out a number of different types of hip protectors until you find one that suits. Lots of companies sell hip protectors don't feel obliged to purchase them through the nursing home. If he has a history of dementia he may be having difficulty remembering to use the frame. Also if he shuffles with his Parkinson's disease he could be at risk of tripping on carpet or uneven surfaces. Ensuring he has the right kind of shoes is important. Organise a time to talk to the physio about reducing his risk of falls. Falls are very common in nursing homes and many are difficult to prevent. A blanket approach for everyone isn't ideal.