Osteoporosis is a degenerative disease which is characterized by progressive loss of bone mass throughout the body. Osteoporosis may strikes at any age but is more common among older people. If an elderly need a special care, then an elderly with osteoporosis need an “extra” special care and precautions. If you are caring for an elderly, especially if that person is female, there’s a high percentage that they have osteoporosis. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), the condition affects as many as 55 percent of Americans age 50 years or older and about 80 percent of its victims are women.
Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks. These broken bones, also known as fractures, occur typically in the hip, spine, and wrist. Osteoporosis has no cure, but there are treatments that can slow its progression and steps caregivers can take to help the elderly with osteoporosis manage day-to-day life.
Caring for someone with osteoporosis is a difficult task. As a caregiver you must constantly be on your guard against anything that could contribute to a fracture, the worst-case scenario for the osteoporosis patient. Here are some tips on how to take care of elderly with osteoporosis:
- Facilitate doctor’s visitation. It is important to learn about the specifics of the elder’s condition. Take lots of notes and jot down your questions before heading to doctor for appointment. Ask about things such as medications, diet, physical activity and warning signs. Your doctor is also your first resource in dealing with any other medical conditions or questions that may arise as a result of living with osteoporosis.
- Be attentive to elder’s medication. Encourage elderly osteoporosis patients to stay on their medication, and not just those prescribed to treat the osteoporosis. Make sure that they are taking the correct medications, and also make sure that medications are taken as prescribed.
- Watch out for side effects. Be wary of the side effects that caused by medications, not only the medication for osteoporosis but even to over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and supplements. They may pose risks. Side effects that impair vision or balance are particularly important to note since they can contribute to falls—a key concern with osteoporosis since bones break easily. Talk with the doctor about any drugs the elderly takes and stay on top of prescribed treatments.
- Provide an elderly proof home. A home for an elderly with osteoporosis should be “fall-proof.” Statistics have shown that 30% of those who are above the age of 65 have experienced a fall before, and those beyond 80 years of age may have fallen once or more in a year. This is significant as an elderly who has fallen may suffer from injuries like fractures, bruises, contusions and other injuries. To prevent this clear any clutter from hallways, stairs or other walkways. Make sure living space is well lighted. Install handrails in bathrooms and textured mats in tubs and showers. Cover hard floors with rugs—with rubber mats beneath them if they are not already slip-proof.
- Take care of yourself. Taking care of an elderly, especially one with osteoporosis is quite tasking. You have to take good care of yourself in order for you to be able to take good care of your ward. Take some time to recharge you batteries, by asking help of family members, friend or home health care professionals who can step in to let you take an occasional break. If you are too stressed out, you could no longer provide the care and services needed by elders especially the one with osteoporosis.
