Care Pathway
Hip Fracture & Hip Replacement
Equipment needs, home health guidance, Medicare coverage, a 30-day care timeline, and questions to ask the doctor.
What Hip Fracture & Hip Replacement Means at Home
A hip fracture or hip replacement is a major orthopedic event, but recovery at home is very achievable. After surgery, the goal is to prevent complications (like dislocation or blood clots), regain strength, and return to independent walking. The first 6–12 weeks require significant equipment and therapy. Most people return to near-normal function with proper rehabilitation.
Typical Equipment Needed
These categories are typically needed for Hip Fracture & Hip Replacement. Click any item to find Medicare-approved suppliers near you.
Walkers & Rollators
Standard walkers or rolling walkers for safe weight-bearing during recovery
Find suppliers →Bathroom Safety Equipment
Raised toilet seat, tub transfer bench, grab bars — essential for hip precautions
Find suppliers →Adjustable Hospital Beds
Makes getting in/out of bed easier with proper height adjustment
Find suppliers →Home Health vs. Just DME
When DME alone may be enough: For very motivated patients with strong family support, strong pre-surgery functional level, and mild cognitive function — outpatient therapy combined with home equipment can work.
When Home Health is recommended: Most hip fracture and hip replacement patients benefit from skilled home physical therapy (mobility, gait training) and occupational therapy (safe ADLs within hip precautions). Medicare covers these visits at no cost if the patient is homebound.
Hip precautions matter: Most total hip replacements involve avoiding bending the hip past 90 degrees, crossing the legs, or rotating the foot inward. Your OT will teach adaptive techniques — don't skip these visits.
When to Have the Hospice Conversation
This section addresses a difficult but important topic. Hospice is not about giving up â it is about choosing comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Many families say they wish they had started hospice sooner.
Hospice after hip fracture is rarely the first step, but may be appropriate for elderly patients with multiple serious conditions who experience a hip fracture as a final decline. If surgery is declined or deemed too risky, and the goal shifts to comfort, hospice provides pain management and support without surgical intervention. Discuss with the surgeon and primary care doctor if aggressive treatment doesn't align with the patient's wishes.
What to Expect in the First 30 Days
Equipment Arrives
- Walker delivered and sized correctly (wrist-height adjustment)
- Raised toilet seat installed
- Grab bars confirmed in bathroom (may need installation)
- Bedroom arranged for easy access to bathroom without stairs if possible
Therapy Starts
- Physical therapy: weight-bearing status, walker training, hip exercises
- Occupational therapy: dressing, bathing, hip precaution education
- Review all hip precautions with caregiver — both patient AND helper must understand
- Wound check with home health nurse if wound care is needed
Building Strength
- Progressive walking distances with walker
- Stair training when cleared by PT
- Blood clot prevention: compression stockings, blood thinners as prescribed, movement
- Follow-up with orthopedic surgeon (typically 2 weeks post-op)
Advancing Recovery
- Progress from walker to cane when cleared
- Transition to outpatient PT when no longer homebound
- Home safety reassessment — remove remaining tripping hazards
- Discuss long-term fall prevention plan with care team
Medicare Coverage Questions
Does Medicare cover physical therapy at home after hip surgery?
Yes. Medicare covers home PT and OT at no cost when the patient is homebound and has a qualifying skilled need, ordered by a doctor through a Medicare-certified home health agency.
Does Medicare cover walkers and bathroom safety equipment?
Yes. Medicare Part B covers walkers and rollators at 80% (you pay 20%). Some bathroom safety items like raised toilet seats and tub transfer benches are covered when prescribed as DME. Grab bars are usually not covered but are inexpensive and critical to install.
What is the Medicare coverage for short-term rehab (SNF) after hip surgery?
If you were hospitalized for 3+ nights, Medicare Part A covers up to 20 days of skilled nursing facility rehab at no cost, then days 21–100 with a daily co-pay (~$200/day in 2025). Supplemental insurance often covers the co-pay.
Does Medicare cover blood clot prevention medications after hip surgery?
Yes. Blood thinners prescribed after hip surgery are covered under Medicare Part D (drug plan). Ensure the anticoagulant prescribed is on your plan's formulary to minimize cost.
Questions to Ask the Doctor
Hip Fracture & Hip Replacement: Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Printed from DMEHelper.com
Check off questions as you cover them â or print this list to bring to your appointment.
Troubleshooting Guides for Your Equipment
Related Care Pathways
Caregiver Support Resources
Caring for someone with Hip Fracture & Hip Replacement can be exhausting. These guides are written for caregivers â not patients.
Related Home Health & Hospice Resources
ð Home Health
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