Caring for the Caregivers for Osteoporosis Patients – Osteoporosis is the loss of bone density that normally accompanies aging. As part of the routine annual physical, the doctor will order a bone density screening for all women. For those who are over 65 and are at increased risk. Elderly are at an increased risk of bone fractures and falls due to osteoporosis. As a result, it leaves them vulnerable to spontaneous fractures. These are fractures where the body just seems to give way. So, elderly simply falls.
Falling poses a serious risk to the elderly. According to an article published by the CDC. Over one-quarter of Americans over the age of 65 fall each year. And it results in making falling the number one cause of injury, both fatal and non-fatal, in this age group. One in three aged experiences a fall. Of those that fall, 20 percent have a serious injury, such as a broken bone or head trauma. Unfortunately, aged falls often cascade into other health issues and fatal complications.
National Institute of Health
According to the National Institute of Health, “falls are the number one cause of fractures, hospital admissions for trauma, loss of independence and injury deaths” among older adults in the US. The most common fractures from falls are: spine, hip, forearm. And leg, ankle, pelvis, upper arm and hand. About 20-30% of those who fall suffer from hip fractures and head trauma. As well, falls cause 95% of hip fractures.
Falling not only poses a physical threat. But also threatens the elderly person’s independence, self-confidence and socialization. The elderly person’s mental and physical welfare. Therefore, is critically dependent on preventing a fall to begin with. The Center for Disease Control says that 1 out of 3 of those aged 65 and older fall every year. And people 75 and older who fall are four to five times more likely to be admitted for a year or more.
Treatment and Prevention
Things to do to prevent falls include:
- Regular exercise. Exercise like yoga and tai chi can help improve balance. While weight-bearing exercises can improve strength. If balance and strength are an issue, physical therapy may be prescribed.
- Move slowly. Change positions slowly, allowing time in between each position change to prevent dizziness. Also, pausing before going up or down stairs is beneficial in preventing falls.
- Seek medical care for dizziness. Dizziness may be the cause of an underlying medical condition.
- Review your medications. Many may make you dizzy or drowsy.
- Avoid clutter. Avoiding clutter in rooms, especially cluttered floors, is one of the easiest methods for preventing falls.
- Be sure your home is well-lit. Inadequate lighting is a major risk factor for falls. Narrow hallways, stairs and bathrooms should be well-lit at all times.
- Install grab bars. Install grab bars near your shower, tub and toilet. So it can provide additional support to avoid falls in the bathroom.
- Use a non-skid bath mat. Using a non-skid bath mat in your shower or tub that are slippery when wet.
- Wear rubber-soled shoes. Shoes with rubber soles allow for comfort and safety by preventing slipping on slick surfaces.
- Avoid loose clothing. Clothing that drags on the floor or bunches during walking poses a serious risk for falls.
- Vitamin D supplementation. Elderly persons who regularly take vitamin D will lower their risk for osteoporosis, diabetes and cardiovascular problems. Because Vitamin D is important for aged health, fortifying bones and offering protection in the event of an elderly fall.
Prevention from falls and a good caregiver can minimize any negative long-term effects if one does occur. Royal CareGivers is intimately aware of what a safe living space for an elderly person. What they should look like and can help set that up.
Caring for the Caregivers for New Jersey Residents with Osteoporosis
More and more osteoporosis patients are opting for care in the comfortable surroundings of their home. The older persons are often too frail to move successfully. Royal CareGivers in-home care providers are able to focus specifically on providing caring for the caregivers service to the elderly. They are monitored by a specially-trained team of doctors, nurses and other specialists. And they can understand how to care for them. How to give their special needs and improve the quality of life.
Our nurses train and monitor our aides who develop a care plan for the patient. And they do it in conjunction with the patient’s other health professionals and family. When home healthcare becomes necessary, Royal CareGivers provides home health aide services for the elderly their homes. A nurse is always available and would be happy to discuss your case with you.
No matter what level of service you need, we’re available twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week.
Source: https://davidyorkhomehealthcare.com/what-is-home-care/