Is There a Link Between Falls and Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a fairly common health issue, with approximately 75 million people suffering the condition throughout Europe, Japan, and the United States alone. No matter how common it is, however, it is important for you as a family caregiver to recognize the tremendous impact that this condition can make on your senior’s health, well-being, and quality of life as they age in place. One question that many caregivers have when it comes to osteoporosis and their seniors is whether there is a link between this condition and falls.
The answer to this question is two-fold. First, studies have shown that seniors with osteoporosis do not necessarily experience higher risk of suffering falls and have the same balance confidence as those without osteoporosis. This means that even if your parent is dealing with this condition, it does not automatically mean that they are at increased risk of suffering a fall.
Seniors with osteoporosis are, however, at increased risk of injury associated with falls. Because the condition impacts the strength and resilience of bones, a senior who is suffering from this condition is more likely to experience a fracture when falling than a senior without the condition if they suffered the same fall. In fact, two out of every three women over the age of 50 will experience an osteoporotic fracture. For men, the statistic is four out of every five.
While having osteoporosis does not necessarily mean that your parent will fall more often, it does mean that they are at greater risk of serious injury. It is important to talk with their doctor about how you can reduce fall risk, and make changes to their care efforts to ensure that they have the support and assistance they need to avoid these potentially life-changing incidents.
If you have noticed increased challenges in your senior’s life, you are concerned about their well-being or quality of life, or you simply feel that they might benefit from extra attention, now may be the perfect time for you to consider starting home care for them. An in-home senior care services provider can be in the home with your parent on a customized schedule to ensure that they have access to the highly personalized services that they need, when they need them. This means that their individual needs, challenges, and limitations will be addressed in a way that is right for them, and that you can have greater peace of mind knowing that even when you are not with your parent, they are in good hands. These services can range from providing safe and reliable transportation that encourages independence and ensures their needs are met, to providing physical assistance with personal care tasks such as bathing and eating. Whatever the tasks, they will be designed to promote the best quality of life possible for your loved one.
If you or an loved-one are considering professional home care in Ardmore, PA, talk to Unlimited Staffing Solutions. Specializing in Home and Community Based Support Waiver Services Since 2001. Please Call Us for Your Home Care Needs (215) 447-7133
Source
https://www.ncoa.org/news/resources-for-reporters/get-the-facts/falls-prevention-facts/
https://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Osteoporosis/Fracture/prevent_falls.asp
https://www.iofbonehealth.org/facts-statistics
https://bmcmusculoskeletdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2474-12-1
- Is Your Senior Missing More Choices than You Think? - April 23, 2020
- Do You Need to Help Care for Your Elderly Loved One? - April 13, 2020
- Brain Enrichment Ideas for Your Elderly Loved One - March 23, 2020