Very few people realise that they have been living with osteoporosis until they experience a fracture. A surprisingly common condition, approximately 3 million people in the UK currently have osteoporosis. This long-term condition typically affects more women than men, due to low oestrogen levels after menopause, and can have a lasting impact on mobility and independence in elderly people.
There are many ways to manage osteoporosis in order to limit the effect it has on bone density and strength, and in-turn your day-to-day life. Implementing good osteoporosis care can help reduce the risk of falls, trips, and slips that could result in broken bones and a long road to recovery. As a result, specialist osteoporosis care can give individuals back their independence following their diagnosis.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a common condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and susceptible to breaking. It’s a progressive disorder that develops slowly over a number of years. Typically, it is often only detected following a fracture, so many elderly people are unknowingly living with this condition.
The risk of developing osteoporosis is linked to many factors associated with weakening bones, which include:
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Aged 50 or over
- Post menopausal women
- Low body weight
- Health conditions e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroidism, and Crohn’s disease
- Medications e.g. steroids
- Low physical activity
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Low levels of calcium and vitamin D
Referred to as ‘the silent condition’, the symptoms of osteoporosis are hard to spot. The only clear indication that leads to a diagnosis is a broken bone. Speak to your GP if you have experienced severe back pain, curving of the spine, or you feel that you have lost height, as these could point to osteoporosis.
What is osteoporosis care?
For elderly people, recovering from a broken bone can be quite painful and arduous. As we age, bones take longer to heal, so the best approach to osteoporosis care is preventative, minimising the risk of fractures in the first place. Osteoporosis care involves navigating the risks involved in living with this condition, managing medication, and addressing mobility issues.
Individuals may need osteoporosis care if they feel held back by this condition, which can impact their independence and quality of life. Having extra support in place can give those living with osteoporosis the confidence to carry out everyday activities, enjoy their social life, and live independently in the comfort of their own home.
Putting together a care plan for osteoporosis is a vital first step in approaching osteoporosis care. This document outlines the support a person living with osteoporosis needs and how they would like a carer to assist them.
The benefits of osteoporosis care
There are numerous benefits to receiving professional care for osteoporosis, including:
- Reduced risk of trips, slips, and falls
- Less likely to suffer fractures
- Coordinated care between a carer and health professionals
- One-to-one personalised care
- Round-the-clock care
- Help with household chores and physically challenging tasks
Alongside these benefits of osteoporosis care, an experienced carer can help implement dietary and lifestyle changes that can minimise the progression of symptoms. From encouraging gentle strength-building exercises to recommending calcium-rich foods, a carer can support the advice of healthcare professionals for the individual’s benefit.
What does our osteoporosis care include?
Following a loved one’s diagnosis of this condition, you might be left wondering how to care for a person with osteoporosis. An experienced home care professional with expertise in osteoporosis care can support individuals with the symptoms of this condition, enabling them to live comfortably at home.
Osteoporosis care commonly includes, but is not limited to:
- Mobility support
- Clearing away clutter to prevent slips, trips, and falls
- Transportation to and from healthcare appointments and social engagements
- Help getting in and out of bed
- Medication management
- Nutritious meals prepared in-line with dietary recommendations
- Light housekeeping
- Personal care, e.g. bathing, dressing, and toileting
- Companionship and someone to talk to
Specialist live-in care can be personalised to individual health needs and preferences. For more information on how live-in care can support you or your loved one living with osteoporosis, take a look at our guide to live-in care.
How Country Cousins can help
After an osteoporosis diagnosis, it is understandable that individuals will feel concerned and lack confidence in their ability to live life as they once did. In order to assist individuals living with osteoporosis, proper support is required. At Country Cousins an expert carer experienced in osteoporosis care can help your loved one with managing their condition, improving their quality of life and maintaining their independence.
With more than 60 years of experience, we have extensive expertise in a wide range of home care services. You can trust us to help you find the most suitable carer to support your loved one with osteoporosis care. For more information on choosing osteoporosis care for you or your elderly loved one, check out our guide to specialist live-in care services.
Talk to our team today
If you require live-in care for you or your loved one, get in touch with us at Country Cousins today. We are the UK’s longest-serving introductory care agency, having provided compassionate care to people in their own homes since 1959.
Give us a call today on 01293 244 706. should you have any questions about home care. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
