My grandma is 85 years old. She was living alone and getting around well until about a week ago when she started having leg pain. Xrays show a hip fracture. She went into the hopsital Wed Jan 16, 2008. The hip surgery has been postponed due to a low heart rate (40 bpm) and also a kidney function problem which we have been aware of for quiet some time. She has been monitored very closely by a kidney doctor and the last check up showed kidney function around 24%. She had some colon polyps removed last year and had a serious problem with anesthesia. It left her acting crazy and not being able to recognize anyone for almost 3 weeks. Then miracleously she returned to us. We do not want her to be put to sleep for hip surgery as she may not even be the same grandma again. My questions..will my grandma ever be able to return to her apartment? What are the chances she will walk again? Will she be just another statistic of the elderly who die within a few months after a hip fracture? What if the doctors decide she can't have surgery, what then?

I am very doubtful at her age that she will be able to live alone again and with what you have said, I see you have a right to be concerned! I would be too if she were my Grandmother. Sorry, I have no other knolage and wouldn't attempt to answer any of your other questions. I would be every bit as scared and concerned as you are.

Hello Honey,

I'm so sorry your grandmother is having health issues...but she is fortunate to have a granddaughter who takes in interest and a role in her well being!

I can't answer your questions about her hip surgery and other health concerns, but I can tell you that many older, very frail older people with complex health conditions live alone in their homes...but this takes some money and a coordination of services. Home health care agencies and social service agencies are two resources that come to mind. They often have nurses, respiratory therapists, occupational therapists, sometimes doctors, and often home health aides and companions that come into the home and provide as little care (2-4 hours several times a week or month) or as much care (24 hours/day seven days per week) as needed. Sometimes a social worker or a discharge planner in the hospital will work with the family and the patient to see what the best arrangement would be given the financial circumstances.

Living alone, of course, is not the only option. THere are many other choices out there but again, the professionals would be able to help you with those decisions when the time would come.

Take care!

bethsheba