Rehabilitation at home after hip fracture

Two series of patients with a hip fracture, sustained at home, were assessed regarding utilization of rehabilitation resources before and after adoption of an active policy favoring rehabilitation at home. Out of 86 consecutive patients in 1985 (Series I), 22 were discharged directly to their home versus 44 out of 84 in 1986 (Series II). Four months after the fracture, 57 and 63 of the surviving patients in Series I and II, respectively, were at home. Twenty of the 77 surviving patients in Series I were permanently institutionalized compared with 14 of 77 in Series II. We conclude that an active attitude towards home rehabilitation after a hip fracture benefits patients and the community alike.