Purpose : The purposes of this study were 1) to analyze types and reasons for surgery 2) to examine functional status and pain at discharge 3) to examine the relationships between pain, mental status, age and functional status at discharge in elders with hip surgery. Method : Data were collected at discharge from 107 elders who had hip surgery. Face to face interviews, pain and functional assessments and a review of medical records were used. Results : 1) Of the elders, only 7.5% were able to walk independently but 42.1% could walk with devices. Elders were more dependent when climbing stairs and getting in and out of the bathtub. 2) Almost all of the elders (98%) reported that at discharge they had pain on movement. 3) Significant correlation was found between pain, mental status, age and functional status at discharge. Elders who were older, more cognitively impaired, and had more pain showed lower functional status. Conclusion : Elders are at risk for poor functional recovery following hip surgery. To promote functional recovery careful discharge planning and continued nursing care is essential.