A fifty-nine-year-old patient is ready to be discharged from the hospital following surgery for a broken hip. Where should the patient go after being discharged?

The best option for the patient after surgery for a broken hip is to go to a rehabilitation agency. Rehabilitation agencies are specifically designed to provide intensive physical therapy and rehabilitation services that are crucial for recovery after surgeries like hip repairs. These facilities can offer specialized care with trained professionals who can help the patient regain strength, mobility, and independence through customized rehabilitation programs.

While returning home with assistance is often a viable option for many patients, it may not provide the structured therapy needed post-surgery. A nursing home might be considered for patients needing long-term care and support, but it is not the most appropriate immediate step for rehabilitative care right after surgery. A long-term acute care hospital is intended for patients with complex medical needs requiring extended hospitalization, which is not the case for a patient recovering from a broken hip undergoing rehabilitation. Thus, the rehabilitation agency is the most suitable destination for this patient to ensure optimal recovery.