Osteoporosis is a medical condition in which the bones become weak and brittle. It occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. This can result in fractures that happen more easily than in healthy bones. For seniors, osteoporosis can lead to limited mobility, which may cause depression and frustration. Having a home care provider in the home is beneficial for seniors who are diagnosed with osteoporosis as they can assist with mobility issues and ensure that seniors follow their treatment plan.
Four Stages of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is known as a silent disease. The first indication of a problem is a broken bone. There are four stages, but many medical professionals believe the first two stages are precursors. It’s important to understand that the human body reproduces bone as it breaks down until a certain age. At that time, bone density becomes more of an issue as the bone is no longer replenished. Continue reading to learn more about each stage.
In the first stage, bone loss and development occur at the same rate, gradually slowing down to where bone loss happens more quickly than bone growth. This seems to occur around 50 for women but later for men.
The second stage of osteoporosis is called osteopenia and often occurs before a medical diagnosis of osteoporosis. At this stage, bone loss happens much more rapidly than bone replacement. This means the walls of the bones are thinning, increasing the fracture risk.
Stage three is typically when seniors are diagnosed with osteoporosis. The diagnosis often comes with a fracture occurs. For many seniors, fractures mean rehabilitation. Having a supportive home care provider in the home allows for proper monitoring of their rehabilitation. Home care professionals can also transport seniors to follow-up medical visits or if they receive rehabilitation out of the home.
In the fourth stage, osteoporosis is considered severe. The risk of fractures is higher, and seniors might begin having symptoms associated with the diagnosis. Noticeable signs of their increased bone loss might be a curved spine, loss of height, or lower back pain.
Risk Factors of Osteoporosis
Certain risk factors of osteoporosis can’t be controlled. Things like gender – women are at higher risk, and age falls into this category. Additionally, race might play a factor, as Caucasian and Asian women are considered at higher risk for the diagnosis. Family history will also be considered when talking with a medical professional, as well as the seniors’ body frame. It has been shown that men and women with smaller body frames might be at a higher risk due to less bone mass.
Certain chronic diseases may also increase risk of osteoporosis, such as celiac, kidney or liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and more. If loved ones are at risk, talk with their medical team and home care providers about precautions that can be put in place to eliminate the risk of falls.
Home care providers can assist in ensuring that at-risk seniors stay active in a safe environment, eat a healthy diet, and obtain regular medication management for optimum care.
Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/osteoporosis
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/stages-of-osteoporosis#stage-2
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Emporium PA please contact the caring staff at Quality Health Services. Call (814) 251-9044
Quality Health Services is a trusted non-medical senior home care provider in Punxsutawney, Bellefonte, Jefferson, Brockway, Brookville, Clearfield, St Marys, Emporium, Philipsburg, and Dubois PA area.
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