"Toronto Doctor"

(NC)—Nursing homes (also called long term care homes, personal care homes or complex care facilities) are designed for individuals who need assistance in their activities of daily living and require medical care.

Most residents in long-term care homes also have some type of mental health problem. Research shows that more than half of residents may have dementia and other cognitive impairments and difficult behaviours often accompany these illnesses. It can be challenging for family members to feel involved in the care of their older relative once they live in nursing homes, however family involvement can assist the staff in providing the best care for residents.

Sharing information with staff about your relative’s past routines and preferences when your relative is admitted can help to promote their mental health and improve their quality of life.

The Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health (www.ccsmh.ca) has created a Guide for seniors and their families about mental health issues in long-term care homes. This Guide provides information about how families can act as partners in care with the staff in long-term care homes.

As explained by Dr. David Conn, co-chair of the Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health, “it can be difficult for an older adult to communicate with staff about their symptoms and treatment options. Families are vital in bridging the communication gap between residents and staff at long-term care homes.”

For more information visit www.ccsmh.ca.

(NC)—Osteoporosis is a chronic disease that weakens the structure of bones, making them fragile and more likely to break or fracture. Often called the “silent thief,” osteoporosis develops with symptoms you cannot see or feel. In fact, many people only realize they have the disease when they suffer a fracture.

One-in-four women and one-in-eight men over 50 are at risk of osteoporosis. So how do you know if you might be at risk? Ask yourself the following questions before your next visit to the doctor, to help determine whether you might be at risk for osteoporosis:

1. Have you lost any height in the last 12 months?

2. Have you suffered a fracture after a fall from a standing height or less?

3. Do any of your family members suffer from osteoporosis?

4. Did you experience early menopause (younger than age 45)?

5. Have you taken corticosteroids for longer than three months?

If your answer to one or more of these questions was “yes,” you should talk to your doctor about your risk of osteoporosis.  If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis and need treatment, there are a wide variety of treatment options to fit with your lifestyle. Think about your day-to-day lifestyle and discuss the following with your doctor:

1. Would you prefer to take your medication orally (tablets), by injection, by nasal spray or by intravenous infusion?

2. If you prefer tablets, would you like to take them daily, weekly or monthly?

3. Do you have private medical coverage? If so, make sure your doctor is aware of this when recommending treatments.

4. If you are over 65 some medications may be covered by your formulary – ask your doctor about your treatment options.   

5. Tell your doctor if you have experienced a fracture in the last year – this can help your doctor decide which medication is most appropriate for you.  

More information about osteoporosis and treatment options can be found online at www.fightosteoporosis.ca.