Living With Someone That Has Osteoporosis

Sometimes we can forget how fragile that someone suffering from osteoporosis can be. The hustle and bustle of everyday life can get in the way of being considerate towards those that have this disease. People with osteoporosis, especially the elderly, are not going to be able to do the same things, go to the same places, and even eat the same diet as you. Knowing how to act with an osteoporosis sufferer in the house is very important. When you are sharing a household with someone, everybody should be accommodating toward each other no matter what their health situation is, but special consideration should be given to those that need it. Here are some tips on living with someone that has osteoporosis.

1. Help – Osteoporosis can be very restricting at times. If somebody asks for your help, you should be more than willing to give it to them. You do not want them to hurt themselves either because you did not want to give up some of your time or because you have made it clear that you should not be asked. Helping one another is the main reason why our society functions as smoothly as it does. If everyone was just out for their own interests, there would be chaos.

2. Do not leave things lying around – Anything that could cause an osteoporosis sufferer to trip could be a potential disaster. People with this disease should be aware of their surroundings, but it is also your responsibility to make sure that you do not contribute to their discomfort. Osteoporosis affects the bones by lowering the bone density, so any minor fall could end up fracturing a wrist, hip, or any other bone. If you are sharing a home with an older person, studies have shown that after breaking a hip they have a one in five chance of dying within the next five years.

3. Diet – Try to be accommodating when it comes to the type of food being prepared. If the person you are living with does not cook for themselves, be sure to serve them foods that are high in calcium and vitamin D. Calcium in particular is especially important when it comes to strengthening bones. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream all have a good amount of calcium, along with several types of fish.

4. Exercise – People with osteoporosis should be exercising to strengthen their bones, but it may be risky for them to do anything on their own. Try to go on walks or any other activity that is both safe and productive. You do not want somebody with this disease to go out on their own and end up fracturing a bone, that would be a disaster.

It does not take much effort to live with an osteoporosis sufferer, but some care has to be taken. Do not be afraid that living with them will consume your whole life, just be there for them when they need you.