Living and Coping with Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a medical condition that causes the bones to become brittle or weak, increasing the likelihood of breaks, fractures, and falls. There is no known cure for the disease at present, but since it’s been around a while, there are a number of proven treatments to help manage the condition. Most people who are afflicted, will not even know they have the disease until some kind of accident occurs, or they suffer a broken bone or fracture.

In-home senior care in Colorado Springs is one way of managing the effects of osteoporosis.  Good elderly care can reduce risks for unfortunate accidents around the house. Voted one of the best home care organizations in Colorado Springs, Gentle Shepherd Home Care offers professional and specialized care for our clients. Below are some additional steps to help manage the disease and live a more normal life.

Learn all about it 

Anyone with osteoporosis should be educated about the symptoms and impacts the disease can have on mental, physical, and social well-being. This will prepare you to live safer and within your capabilities, while enjoying the maximum quality of life possible. When you know exactly what you’re dealing with, you won’t be as overwhelmed or frightened by the disease. Part of your education should understanding of coping mechanisms such as reducing alcohol and smoking intake, exercising regularly, and taking daily doses of Vitamin D.

Healthcare provider 

It’s important for osteoporosis patients to have a good healthcare provider who specializes in the disease. If your primary care doctor is knowledgeable about the disease and has treated other patients who have it, that will be a great advantage. That way, there won’t be any surprises when new symptoms appear, and you’ll have a better chance of preparing for deterioration when it happens.

Financial support 

Someone who must live with the effects of osteoporosis will definitely have some medical bills over time. The ongoing expenses can accumulate in the areas of doctor visits, medications, rehabilitation costs, and the cost of professional caregivers. Sometimes it’s also difficult to maintain a full-time job, and this can further complicate the financial picture. There are a number of resources available to patients to help with the costs related to osteoporosis.