Pain

In the run up to publication of my new book Carers and Caring; the One Stop Guide; how to care for older relatives and friends I am an A to Z of practical solutions learned from research and experience. If you think any problems have been missed you can email me and tell me, and I’ll make sure they are covered in the next edition and online on my website at www.juneandrews.net. 

Pain

If the person you are caring for is suffering from acute or chronic pain you should ask for a pain assessment and work with the GP to find the best treatment. A common problem in pain management is the communication between the person in pain and their doctor or nurse and that is even harder when the older person has a condition such as dementia or a stroke which affects communication. The clinician might not appreciate how much benefit the person would have from pain relief. Being assertive with professionals is part of your role. Remember that the pain might be in their mouth, and a dentist can help, or in their feet, so a podiatrist appointment could solve the problem. As the carer you know the person best, and if they’re not able to speak you can recognise mood changes, agitation, distress or rapid breathing and frowning, which indicate that there is a problem. If they are immobile, the occupational therapist and physiotherapist may be able to help you with exercises or changes in seating arrangements or bed mattresses and wedges to make them more comfortable. It isn’t necessary for anyone to suffer pain. As well as medication, emotional and spiritual support make a difference. Complementary therapy works for many people, and at the very least it offers a distraction and some comfort. Acupuncture, chiropractic services and massage can give relief. Use anything that works.

Three hints:

1.     Pain exists, even if the person can’t define it well.

2.     Some clinicians need persuading to provide prescriptions.

3.     Try a wide range of physical, medicinal and emotional supports to get results.

There is much more about managing pain in  Carers and Caring: The One-Stop Guide: How to care for older relatives and friends - with tips for managing finances and accessing the right support  available from all good bookshops in May 2022