After a hospital stay

After a fall or fracture — what to watch

This card is general education, not medical advice. Your written discharge instructions and your own care team always come first. When in doubt about a serious symptom, do not wait — call 911.

Pending clinical review (v1.0) — follow your discharge instructions first.

GREEN — normal recovery

Soreness and bruising that slowly improve
Moving carefully with the walker or equipment as taught
Pain controlled by the written plan

Keep the routine: clear paths, night lights, equipment used every time.

YELLOW — call today

Pain that is getting worse, not better
New confusion, even mild — especially on blood thinners
Another stumble or near-fall
Swelling, warmth, or redness at the injury site

Call TODAY — start at the top of the who-to-call chain below. Catching this early usually keeps it small.

RED — emergency

A fall WITH a head strike while on blood thinners
Can't bear weight that they could bear yesterday
Severe headache, repeated vomiting, or hard-to-wake drowsiness after any head bump

Call 911 or go to the ER now. Do not drive yourself.

Who to call (in this order)

The home health agency on your discharge papers, if one was ordered
The doctor or clinic listed for follow-up
The hospital nurse line, if your papers list one
Still unsure — or it feels like an emergency? Call 911. Never wait on a phone call.

Sources: CDC STEADI — Older Adult Fall Prevention

Talk to a Person: (432) 901-6465

All warning signs