Hip protection device for the elderly

Abstract

A hip protection device for the elderly which provides protection to the trochanteric region the wearer to prevent fracture thereto upon falling from a standing position. An undergarment is provided with at least one pocket enclosing a pad, or other alternative arrangements for securing the pads to the hip regions of the garment. Each protective pad defines an open-ended channel having an elongated major axis along which it is substantially linear and a minor axis which has a generally parabolic curvature. The undergarment and pad are configured such that the pads rap around and fit snugly against the trochanteric area of the wearer's hip. Each pad has a relatively rigid, thin shield on its convex side and a relatively thin layer of resilient impact absorbing material on its concave side. Upon the wearer falling from a standing position onto their hip area, the impact force is distributed generally uniformly across the surface area of the rigid shield an then to the resilient impact absorbing material, which has sufficient resilience and thickness that greater than ninety percent of the impact force is absorbed. The undergarment and pads of the hip protection device are comfortable to wear over prolonged periods and are constructed so that they do not bulge outwardly significantly during use, making them aesthetically acceptable for users. In one embodiment for incontinent persons, a diaper is detachably engageable with the undergarment.