Readers are encouraged to locate articles at convenient university, public, or medical libraries. Baran, Robert W. Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis in Long- Term Care Facilities. Osteoporosis is a problem as women age and the amount of estrogen in their systems decreases. As this occurs, their bones lose mass and become thin.
Fractures are common as women age.
Studies on community-dwelling elderly women suggest that the prevalence of osteoporosis in those 70 to 79 years of age is 55 percent and in women over the age of 80, the prevalence is 73 percent. The risk of hip fracture is eight times higher for the frail elderly nursing facility resident than for the elder still residing in the community. Diagnosing and treating residents for osteoporosis could cut the number of falls and fractures, improve the quality of life for residents, and reduce health costs. This article describes the development of a clinical guideline to aid with diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in a facility setting. Treatment options are discussed.