Should a facility treat a bedridden elderly patient for osteoporosis who is at risk of the disease? (Question posed by a DON at the June 2003 NADONA conference) Answer: It depends on the residents functional potential. If the resident is fracturing bones while in bed (when moved, etc.), then he needs treatment. If he is bed-bound and not getting fractures and has no potential for getting out of bed, then provide vitamin D and calcium plus intervention to minimize falls from bed. The calcium and vitamin D is doing something to prevent/treat osteoporosis. You can use heel ultrasound to screen the resident for osteoporosis. Jan Maby, RN, DO.