Porosh Eldercare Private Limited

After four years of hard work and dedicated service to its members Porosh has now progressed from being a partnership firm to Porosh Eldercare Private Limited. The journey so-far has been eventful, full of challenges and thus, exciting. In the initial days when we had started offering medical and non-medical services to the members (i.e. senior citizens) staying alone at home we were not backed by much experience. But what we had was application of mind at every step, taking quick decisions and prompt action. In the process we realized that running a venture has a lot to do with common sense and courage. And of course, hard work and discipline.

Our grit and resilience were particularly tested during the Covid times. Instead of discontinuing services, our team put their lives at stake, quite literally, to ensure that none of the members felt vulnerable and had access to food, medicine and care giving. It paid us rich dividends. Porosh could make its presence felt in the city of Kolkata. Kolkata Police acknowledged our contributions and referred several elderly people to us to assist them in distress.

After the fear and impact of Covid subsided aided by easing of restrictions, Porosh kept on adding valued-added services under its umbrella and also different types of packages to meet varied requirements of its members. As a result, there has never been a single case, by the grace of God, where a member discontinued availing Porosh’s services due to not receiving services as per commitment. We sincerely believe in under promising and over delivering.

The above points in addition to a few other factors made us realize the need to form a professional entity with a long term perspective and durability. Hence, the formation of Porosh Eldercare Private Limited.

The path traversed so-far has been possible with the blessings of our members and good wishes showered on Porosh by the clients (i.e. children of the members). We now have bigger plans. But more of that some time later.

What Is Osteoporosis and How Does It Impact Older Adults?

This week we are going to share with you an edited article on a topic as relevant as osteoporosis and how it impacts elderly people whom Porosh serves to the best of its ability. We hope that you shall not only be enriched in terms of knowledge thus gained but also adopt a few of the recommended practices as part of preventive health maintenance. So, here it goes:

Bones are made up of living tissue that is constantly changing. During our lifetime, our body relies on the minerals calcium and phosphate to keep our bones strong and healthy. As we age, however, our bodies tend to reabsorb these minerals instead of keeping them in our bones.

When more old bone is reabsorbed and not enough new bone is generated, bone loss occurs. And if there is too much loss of bone, it can lead to a disease called osteoporosis.

The word "osteoporosis" literally means "bone" Under a microscope,healthy bone resembles a honeycomb. But with osteoporosis, the bone has much larger holes and spaces. This makes bones less dense, more brittle, and more prone to fracture. 

Osteoporosis is often called a “silent” disease because many people have no symptoms at all. The disease may progress for many years undetected—until a broken bone occurs. Osteoporosis can cause painful and debilitating broken bones called fragility fractures. These fractures can compromise a person’s ability to walk, cause deformities and loss of height and significantly lower quality of life. Osteoporitic fractures may even indirectly lead to death, since complications related to a fracture can cause an older person’s health to go downhill quickly. 

Who is most likely to get osteoporosis? 

Although this disease happens in both men and women, women are four times more likely to develop it than men. Osteoporosis risk climbs with age; many women begin to develop it following menopause.  

Non-Hispanic white women and Asian women are most likely to get osteoporosis. Black and Hispanic women are less likely to develop this disease, but they are still at significant risk.

What is the cause of osteoporosis?

There’s no single, specific cause of osteoporosis but there are many known risk factors. Some of these are beyond our control, such as our gender and age—women experience rapid bone loss during the first 10 years after entering menopause.

Other risk factors include:

• Family history: Is osteoporosis hereditary? Maybe. Having a close family member (e.g., your mother) with osteoporosis or a history of broken bones can increase your risk.

• Body weight and frame: Thin, small-framed people are at greater risk for developing osteoporosis. This is because they have less bone to lose than people who have larger frames and carry more body weight.

• Certain medical conditions: Some health conditions and medical procedures may make you more susceptible to osteoporosis, such as:

• Thyroid disorders

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• HIV/AIDS

• Anorexia nervosa

• Celiac disease

• Some medications: In certain cases, medications can cause damage to your bones and increase your osteoporosis risk. These include:

• Hormone treatments for breast or prostate cancer

• Steroids

• Anti-seizure medicine (e.g., Phenobarbital)

• Aluminum-containing antacids

• Cancer chemotherapeutic drugs

• Smoking and alcohol use: Smoking cigarettes can prevent your body from utilizing dietary calcium. Excessive drinking can also increase osteoporosis risk. 

• Lack of exercise: Physical activity helps bones stay strong. Leading a sedentary lifestyle can compromise your bone health.

• Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of calcium in your diet can raise your risk for osteoporosis. This is also true for vitamin D, since it helps your body use the calcium you get from food.

What are some signs and symptoms of osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis typically does not produce any symptoms until a bone fracture occurs. But you should tell your doctor if you notice any of the following: 

• Lower back pain

• Loss of height by 1” or more

• Shortness of breath

• Posture changes (e.g. hunching over)

How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

Osteoporosis diagnosis involves getting a bone density test that yields more insight about your bone health. This test is a quick, inexpensive, and painless way to determine your risk for osteoporitic fractures. It is performed using a DXA scan,which is short for dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. The DXA scan uses low levels of x-rays to measure the mineral content of your bones.

One should also get a bone density test if you break a bone after the age of 50 following a minor fall or injury.

Dietary supplements

If one has been diagnosed with osteoporosis or is trying to prevent it, doctor may advise one to increase intake of calcium and vitamin Taking a multivitamin or supplements can help one get a sufficient amount of these nutrients if one is not getting them from food or diet alone.

Keep in mind that over-the-counter dietary supplements are not regulated like prescription medications. Before taking any supplements, discuss it with one’s

doctor.

Lifestyle changes

If one has osteoporosis, it is important to limit alcohol and caffeine and avoid the use of tobacco products. Regular exercise can help slow or prevent bone loss as well as boost muscle strength, improve balance and posture, and relieve pain.

Stick to weight-bearing activities such as walking, jogging, dancing, and weight-lifting. Be sure to ask one’s doctor before beginning an exercise regimen. 

Another important part of treatment for osteoporosis is preventing falls inside and

outside home. This may involve steps such as: 

• Installing grab bars in the bathroom and railings on stairways

• Making sure you have sufficient lighting throughout your home

• Keeping outdoor areas free of clutter and in good repair

• Wearing flat shoes with non-slip bottoms when you leave the

• house

If one feels one might benefit from assistive devices (e.g., cane, raised toilet seat, stair lift), one’s health care provider can connect with resources that can help.

Source: https://ncoa.org/article/what-is-osteoporosis-and-how-does-it-impact-

older-adults

Symptoms of dementia

At Porosh we receive frequent enquiries from distressed children seeking counselling for dementia afflicted parent(s) of theirs. However, our experience says that the initial symptoms are quite often than overlooked due to lack of general awareness about dementia. Even if noticed, it is deemed to be an obvious age related health issue. It is only when the matter seems to go out of control, by those staying along with such individuals, that the realization dawns that some sort medication, or counselling is required.

It is in this context that we are going to reproduce an article that was published by ‘Mayo Clinic’ some time back which reflects on the symptoms which indicate setting-in of dementia. So, here we go:

‘Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities severely enough to interfere with your daily life. It isn't a specific disease, but several diseases can cause dementia.

Though dementia generally involves memory loss, memory loss has different causes. Having memory loss alone doesn't mean you have dementia, although it's often one of the early signs of the condition.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of a progressive dementia in older adults, but there are a number of other causes of dementia. Depending on the cause, some dementia symptoms might be reversible.

Symptoms

Dementia symptoms vary depending on the cause, but common signs and symptoms include:

Cognitive changes

• Memory loss, which is usually noticed by someone else

• Difficulty communicating or finding words

• Difficulty with visual and spatial abilities, such as getting lost while driving

• Difficulty reasoning or problem-solving

• Difficulty handling complex tasks

• Difficulty with planning and organizing

• Difficulty with coordination and motor functions

• Confusion and disorientation

Psychological changes

• Personality changes

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Inappropriate behavior

• Paranoia

• Agitation

• Hallucinations

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if you or a loved one has memory problems or other dementia symptoms. Some treatable medical conditions can cause dementia symptoms, so it's important to determine the cause.’

We believe you have found the article useful. The saying, ‘Prevention is better than cure’ is absolutely relevant in this context.

(Reference: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352013)