If your loved one has suffered a fracture or been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you may find yourself wondering what role you are to play, especially if you’re closest to them.

As a caregiver, you play both an important, challenging and yet rewarding role in the lives of osteoporosis patients from helping them perform simple tasks such as buying groceries, to being a core part of the patient’s recovery team. 

SUPPORTING MY LOVED ONE’S CONDITION

Your loved one will face a host of physical and emotional obstacles in their osteoporosis journey, whether or not they regain their mobility. Part of your role as their caregiver is to alleviate their stress by providing them with emotional and practical support whenever needed, which could include:

Helping them overcome physical obstacles5

You can lend support by helping with their usual household chores and routines; assuring them that everything will be taken care of. Regaining mobility after a fragility fracture will take time, encourage them by taking it one step at a time and celebrate small wins.  Reduce home and environmental hazards by choosing lights that aid visual impairment or surfaces that are non-slip. You could also refer to occupational therapists for home assessment. Advise your loved one to wear well-fitting shoes with low heeled, slip resistant soles and a large contact area to reduce falls.

Lifestyle changes for managing osteoporosis

If your loved one is diagnosed with low bone mass or osteoporosis, suggest dietary and lifestyle modifications can help to preserve bone health and minimise the effects of osteoporosis.6 Ensuring an increase or maintenance of your loved one’s intake of calcium-rich foods, such as yogurt, bean curd, nuts, and calcium-fortified foods are recommended. Encourage regular weight-bearing cardio, muscle-strengthening, and balance exercises. For those with high risk of fracture, you could encourage medication to protect your loved one against future fractures. Physiotherapy post fracture support.

Providing emotional support

An osteoporosis patient, especially one who has lost their mobility due to a fragility fracture, may not accept this fact immediately. They will need some time to comprehend the changes in their life. During this time, they will need your help to be patient and accepting of the challenges they may face emotionally. Some of the things you can do include:7,8 Be open-minded and listen to his/her concerns. Validate his/her concerns with supportive or empathetic statements. Stay truthful and honest, but sensitive in your tone and delivery.    Ask him/her what he needs, how you can help and remind him/her they are not alone.

Finally, it is important to maintain steady communication between you and the person you’re caring for. You may feel social dynamics begin to change, giving you new responsibilities and changing your roles within your relationship. Spend time together to decide how you will work through this new phase in your lives.