A Caregiver’s Guide to Supporting a Loved One with Osteoporosis

A Caregiver’s Guide to Supporting a Loved One with Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis weakens bones and raises the risk of fractures—often without symptoms until a fall. As a caregiver, you can champion safety, confidence, and informed choices through shared decision-making and patient-centered goals.

Understanding Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that makes bones fragile and more likely to break. Risk rises with age:

  • Women over 50 and men over 70 are most affected.
  • About 1 in 2 women and up to 1 in 4 men over 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture.
  • Additional risks include family history, inactivity, low calcium/vitamin D, certain medications, smoking, and excessive alcohol.

Your Role as a Caregiver

  • Daily support: Assist with balance-sensitive tasks, encourage safe movement, and help with mobility aids.
  • Medication & appointments: Track prescriptions, refills, and bone density scans; bring a question list to visits.
  • Shared decision-making: Help your loved one express preferences, weigh benefits and risks, and choose care aligned with their values.
  • Patient-centered goals: Define what matters most—staying independent, avoiding falls, continuing a favorite activity—and revisit goals regularly.

Preventing Falls & Fractures

  • Home safety: Clear walkways, secure rugs, add grab bars/handrails, improve lighting, keep essentials within easy reach.
  • Movement: Encourage weight-bearing and balance exercises (e.g., walking, tai chi) per clinician guidance.
  • Nutrition: Support a calcium- and vitamin D–rich eating plan; ask about supplements if needed.
  • Treatment plan: Confirm how and when to take osteoporosis medicines; discuss side effects and fit with your loved one’s goals.

Caregiver Action Network Tools

If You May Be at Risk

Caregivers—especially women 50+ or anyone with family history—should ask their own clinicians about bone density screening, nutrition, and exercise. Model shared decision-making in your own care.

When to Seek More Help

  • Watch for signs of worsening mobility, increased falls, or difficulty with daily tasks

  • Advocate for early bone density testing or physical therapy if needed

  • Help your loved one revisit their care goals regularly as health status changes