Do hip protectors prevent broken hips?

Ageing bones and osteoporosis make elderly people vulnerable to broken hips, falls and fractures.

Many older people have a fear of falling and restrict physical activity. They may worry about the possibility of a broken hip or other injuries. Over time some people lose their confidence and do less and less. 

What are hip protectors?

Hip-protectors are undergarments with special pads or shields that sit inside special underwear. They are designed to cover the hip and disperse or absorb the energy of a fall to the hip joint.

Hip protectors can make a person feel safe and worry less about the impact of a fall. Hip protectors can be used as a preventative measure against broken hip. Wearing hip-protectors may help reduce the chance or severity of injury sustained in a fall.

There are several hip protectors on the market and it is essential to follow instructions regarding their use. If the person you are caring for has dementia, consider how compliant they will be when wearing hip protectors. A confused person who is unsteady on their feet and continually tries to take off their hip protectors can be more at risk of falls.

An aged care home may ask you to purchase a pair of hip protectors as part of a "falls prevention program". Always ask to speak to a physiotherapist before agreeing to hip protectors.

Things to consider before purchasing hip protectors:

•  Will the person be compliant and wear them as directed?
•  Will the person with dementia attempt to take them off?
•  Does the person have difficulty dressing are they able to put them on and take them off independently?
•  Does the person understand how to launder them correctly?
•  Are they incontinent of urine or faeces?
•  Does the person wear incontinence aids?
•  Can the person remove them in time to avoid an incontinence episode?
•  Is the person at risk of pressure areas around the hip protector? 

Some health funds contribute to the cost of hip protectors. The Department of Veterans Affairs pays for the cost of hip protectors for gold card holders.

You can buy hip protectors online or ask an aged care home to assess a family member for hip protectors on admission. 

 
Tip:

A fear of falling should always be addressed. A physiotherapist can help with finding a suitable walking frame or aid to increase confidence and balance. Talking to a psychologist or doctor about a fear of falling can also help.

Related articles

• Hip fractures
• What is osteoporosis?