Elderly Care in Roswell GA
The body goes through many changes with age, one being the thinning of the bones. Since the bones do become more fragile, elderly adults are at risk for easily fracturing a bone or hip, which can also prove to be dangerous for seniors. This condition is also known as osteoporosis.
While many adults can easily manage their osteoporosis so that it does not interfere with their life, having an elderly care provider watch over your loved one may also be necessary in order to make sure they are safe and properly cared for. The more you and their caregiver know about this condition, the earlier your loved one will be able to get diagnosed. A great start to getting the information you need is looking at the symptoms and treatments that are available for osteoporosis.
Symptoms
If your elderly parent has any of the following symptoms, they could have osteoporosis.
- A gradual loss of height, as well as a stooped posture
- Pain in the back
- Frequent fractures in the wrist, hip, or spine
It is important that you call the doctor if the backaches suddenly become severe, as this could be an indication that the elder is suffering from a spinal compression fracture. A loss of bone in the jaw is another symptom, which can be found by using a dental x-ray.
Treatments
There is currently no cure for osteoporosis, but there are several treatment options and lifestyle changes that can be used to help the elder strengthen the bones and lower their risk of fracturing a hip or worse.
- Get plenty of vitamin D and calcium. Calcium and vitamin D go hand-in-hand to make the bones much stronger. Adults over the age of 51 need about 1,200 mg of calcium per day. Fortunately, both of these nutrients can be found in a wide variety of foods and drinks, like fortified juices and milk products, cauliflower, broccoli, salmon, leafy green veggies, and tofu. Supplements can also be taken to ensure your loved one gets plenty of calcium and vitamin D.
- Quit smoking. Smoking can actually cause the bones to lose mineral density. The result is more broken bones, so help your loved one kick the habit for the health of their bones.
- Medication. The doctor will most likely prescribe medication to treat their osteoporosis. It works by targeting the breakdown of bones, slowing down the loss of bone density. Talk to the elder’s doctor to find out what medication is right for your loved one.
If you or an aging family member are considering hiring elderly care in Roswell, GA, please contact the caring staff at Caring Companions of Atlanta 470-514-5954.
We provide quality non-medical services to our clients in their homes or in a facility if that’s where they live. Our staff is available for care plans for extensive care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or as little as 4 hours per visit. Reach out to us, and one of our outstanding administrative staff will meet with potential clients to assist them and their families in designing an effective, personal plan of care.
Source: http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/