So sorry about your mother!
I read that a long-term study of Boniva and similar meds for osteoporosis showed that they did not actually result in fewer fractures later on. It is thought that they may contribute to calcium forming around the bones so that the bone looks more solid on x-rays, but the interior of the bone remains porous and brittle. I have osteopenia and don't like to take meds, so I did some research on line before telling my doctor I would opt out of taking that medication.
Calcium citrate is the form of calcium that is most easily absorbed by the body. I take mine twice a day rather than all at once, because it can be absorbed better that way. I also take Vitamin D and magnesium to help with absorption.
My sister had a compression fracture of her spine (large dog bounding past her sent her unexpectedly to the ground). Mostly it just took time to heal -- in her case, about a year. She was 71 at the time.