Not too long ago, hip protectors were introduced to the post-acute care network. At first, everyone thought it was a novel idea and many of our centers purchased them for their at-risk residents. Unfortunately, they seemed to be “bulky”, “burdensome to put on”, expensive and staff tended to be non-compliant with using them.

Well, all of this may be true and accurate, however, a recent study published in a recent issue of JAMDA concluded that in the study, hip protectors were worn in 60% of falls and the risk of hip fracture was reduced by nearly 3 times. Although there have been no other studies to match these outcomes and further research is being done, it still should make you stop and wonder “maybe Mrs. Smith would benefit from wearing hip protectors”? Give it some thought, you may find “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”! To read the study and outcomes in their entirety please click the link below!