Any advice for someone who is expecting a mom back from physical rehab?

[nitpicker]

My mom fell all of two feet and broke her tibia.

She hates care centers (having studied to be a CNA), but upon hearing an assessment of her condition, I reluctantly talked her into agreeing to go to one.

What should I prepare to do to get her toileted, etc??

[jmbar2]

1. Get her the best mattress possible

From my experience sitting with sick folks, being bedridden on a bad mattress is more painful than the ailments. Invest in the best mattress possible, and be prepared to help her turn often.

[Lefta Dissenter]

2. Do you have a "loan closet" near you?

When my dad came home from the hospital, we were able to borrow a hospital bed, walker, commode for over the toilet, shower chair - virtually everything we needed. We realize we were very fortunate in that.

Is your mom on Medicare? Will they provide for an OT to come to your home to let you know what you need to do to prepare? Otherwise, perhaps the OT at the facility should give you advice.

[Warpy]

3. You need to talk to the care center

Since I know nothing about her condition, I can't really comment on what she needs.

The care center can recommend assistive equipment you can get online or at a local medical supply shop.

[marylandblue]

4. They should provide you with an OT to show you and her what to do.

Specifics depend on an assessment of her abilities before she leaves the hospital/rehab. Sounds like she will need at least a raised toilet seat and a chair for showering. She may be able to toilet and shower by herself, but the OT will tell about that. A home health aide can be very helpful if you don't have time to do everything yourself, but insurance typically doesn't pay for that.

[blueinredohio]

5. If you have VFW or DAV posts in your area

call to ask them. In my area they loan that stuff out , charge nothing and you use it until you don't need it anymore. Just return it.

[Beastly Boy]

6. Is her mental state or ability to keep balance affected? Does she suffer from dizzy spells?

These symptoms may be as dangerous to her well being as the fracture itself. As much as she may hate it, try to limit her mobility, at least in the short term, and arrange for as much monitoring and physical assistance as you can. In addition to all the traditional precautions, setting up video surveillance and two-way communication/warning systems, both audio and video, may help.

On edit: make sure that her physical activities outside the bed are 100% supervised.