Last week, my 83-year-old mother broke her hip. She is still in the hospital, and we are trying to make plans for when she gets out. How can we tell if she should return home or go to a nursing home?

There are a few ways to predict how a patient will do after surgery for hip fracture. Age, mental status, and the ability to get around before the fracture are three factors that predict outcome. In addition, patients who can get out of bed and walk 50 feet by the second day after surgery are more likely to do well at home. Those who can't get up and walk may need extra help at home, or they may need to stay in a nursing home for a little while.

The hospital staff is available to help you make this decision. In addition to your mother's doctor, you may want to consult nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and social workers.