What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. As a result, bones become weak and can more easily fracture.
Did You Know?
- Osteoporosis is responsible for an estimated two million broken bones per year, yet nearly 80% of older Americans who suffer bone breaks are not tested or treated for osteoporosis.
- 24 percent of hip fracture patients age 50 and over die in the year following the fracture.
- Six months after a hip fracture, only 15 percent of patients can walk across a room unaided.
- Every year, of nearly 300,000 hip fracture patients, one-quarter end up in nursing homes and half never regain previous function.
- Women lose up to 20 percent of their bone density in the five-to-seven years after menopause.
- People with osteoporosis cannot feel their bones getting weaker, and many people do not know they have osteoporosis until they break a bone.
- Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help slow or stop the loss of bone mass and help
prevent fractures.
Home Instead offers personalized care that can be incredibly beneficial for individuals living with osteoporosis. Here are some ways we can help:
- Fall Prevention & Safety: Care Professionals can assist with mobility and ensure the home environment is safe, reducing the risk of falls and fractures.
- Personalized Care Plans: They tailor services to meet individual needs, whether it's help with daily activities, meal preparation, or transportation to medical appointments.
- Companionship & Emotional Support: Living with osteoporosis can be challenging, but having a compassionate caregiver can provide emotional reassurance and social engagement.
- Encouraging Healthy Habits: Caregivers can support clients in maintaining a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, as well as engaging in safe, weight-bearing exercises to promote bone health.
- Medication Reminders: Ensuring individuals take prescribed medications on time to help manage osteoporosis effectively.
