Hip Fractures
A hip fracture is a very serious injury, with consequences that may become life threatening. The elderly are at the greatest risk of hip fracture as bones tend to weaken with age (osteoporosis). In addition, commonly prescribed medications, and poor vision and balance make the elderly more likely to trip and fall. Hip fractures may occur from a twisting action at the hip, but the most common cause is from a fall.
What Are Hip Protectors?
Hip protectors minimise the risk of a hip fracture by softening the impact of a fall when landing. Hip protectors are recommended for people who are frail, at high risk of falls or suffer from osteoporosis, and are often implemented in aged care as part of a falls prevention strategy. They comprise of a hip pad which protects the hip bone, and underwear or pants that house the hip pads and keep them in position over the hip bone.
What to look for in a hip protector
It’s important to define what makes a hip protector effective in the prevention of hip fractures. For starters, the hip pad needs to be successful in minimising the force of impact that is transferred from the ground to the hip bone in the event of a fall – these tests are completed in laboratory conditions. Secondly, and an aspect that is often overlooked, is the likelihood of the wearer accepting and complying with the use a hip protector. Discreetness and comfort are integral to what makes a hip protector effective. If the hip pads are big and bulky, the wearer will not want to use the hip protector, and ultimately will not be protected.
Suprima Hip Protectors
Suprima Hip Protector’s design, comfort and discreetness increase the likelihood of wearer compliance when compared to other hip protector brands. Having passed an internationally recognised Standard (EN1621-1:2012) in body impact protective wear for motorcycle safety equipment, Suprima Hip protectors demonstrate a high level of protection and are a crucial component in any falls prevention strategy. Suprima hip pads are slim in design and ergonomically shaped to contour with all body shapes and size, thereby increasing discreetness and comfort. The hip pads are safe to use when resting in bed as they adapt and react to the amount of pressure applied to them.
Manufactured at their in-house facility in Germany to ensure the highest level of quality, they are arguably the most durable hip protector on the market and can withstand conditions of industrial laundries. All products have been successfully trialed and tested in Europe’s competitive healthcare market.
For these reasons, it is the trusted brand of hip protectors for many aged care and home care professionals in Australia and internationally.
Suprima Hip Protectors can be found in the Falls Prevention & Safety section of our shop.