Caregiver in Mt. Gilead OH
Osteoporosis–severe bone thinning–is a disease that affects approximately 10 million Americans and is the result of an estimated 2 million broken bones per year. Many individuals do not know they have it until a bone is broken.
Diet
This is a disease that diet plays a crucial part in. As a family caregiver, ensuring your loved one is on a good diet that addresses this specific issue is an important part of the care you will provide. In fact, eating a healthy diet in combination with a good exercise program can help slow down or stop the loss of bone. In addition to the standard healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, lean meat and whole grains, you will want to consider foods that are specific to supporting bone health. These include: low-fat dairy products, canned sardines and salmon (with the bones), greens, kale cabbage, broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomato products, papaya, oranges, bananas, peppers, grapefruits and strawberries. A few foods to avoid or limit their intake include: alcohol, caffeine, carbonated soft drinks, and salty foods.
Exercise
Your loved one may hesitate to exercise for fear of breaking a bone. This is the last thing they should do. Exercise will actually help build bone mass, improve balance and flexibility and, in so doing, help prevent falls. You will want to check with their healthcare provider to ensure your parent’s exercise program is in alignment with their specific needs. It will take into account their fracture risk, muscle strength, fitness level and balance. A weight-bearing exercise that is low in impact will usually be recommended. These include: elliptical training machines, walking, and low-impact aerobics. Muscle-strengthening exercises are also important. Start out with light weights such as elastic exercise bands and the use of their own body weight.
Preventing Falls
You and your caregiving team will want to make sure your parent’s home is as safe as possible. To achieve this, consider the following:
- Remove all throw rugs to prevent a slipping hazard.
- Make sure cords and wires are not run across pathways to prevent tripping hazards.
- Move furniture to provide freedom of movement and no obstacles.
- Maintain good lighting.
- Add grab bars in the bathroom and no-skid mats
- Consider the use of a walker or cane if there are any signs of an unsteady gait.
In-Home Care Provider
Never hesitate to ask for help. If planning a diet, meal preparation, shopping for groceries, maintaining a safe home, transportation to fitness classes, and going out on afternoon walks has you feeling overwhelmed, consider acquiring the services of an in-home care provider. They have cared for seniors with this disease and no the particular needs associated with osteoporosis. Let them take over some of the daily activities including shopping, transportation and light housekeeping. Maybe you’ll have time to take that afternoon walk with your parent and, in so doing, help keep osteoporosis at bay in your own life.
If you are considering hiring caregiver services in Mt. Gilead, Ohio, call the caring staff at Central Star Home Health at (419) 610-2161. Providing services for families in Mansfield, Lexington, Bellville, Mt. Gilead, Loudonville, Crestline, Galion, Shelby, Ashland, Wooster, and the surrounding areas.
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