Is your Mom or Dad in Pain?

Tragically, pain is often unrecognized and untreated.  This is especially true for people who are unable to communicate well with words. Although up to 80% of older adults experience pain, those with advanced memory loss (the later stages of Alzheimer’s or other dementias) are unable to use their words to tell us.  The result is unnecessary suffering.

While words may not be effective for communication-even when we directly ask, “Are you in pain?”-relatively sudden changes in behavior may signal that your patient is hurting somewhere.

Suspect pain if you notice changes in your patients or resident’s:

•Breathing-becoming labored and noisy. As pain increases, breathing may become faster, including rapid, short breaths.

•Body language-sudden restlessness, maybe pacing or sleeplessness. Fierce, even aggressive hitting, pulling or pushing away is frequently a sign of more severe pain, as is curling up into a rigid ball.

•Ability to be soothed-the more severe the pain or discomfort, the less likely your loved one will calm down with simple reassurance or touch.

•Speech or crying out-this is the most obvious signal and includes soft moans or groans, escalating to repeated yelling or wailing when there is intense pain.

•Facial expression-a new look of sadness or fear, or a scrunched-up, grimacing face can indicate your patient is experiencing pain.

Caring for someone who is unable to tell you with words about their pain requires extra vigilance for all of us.

Approved In Home Care, provides non-medical care and support for seniors.  We provide compassionate care and assistance in a private residence, hospital, rehab, assisted living, retirement home or healthcare facility. We offer packages including: dependable and affordable in-home assistance, care, companionship, homemaking, and errand services.

If you have any questions, please give me a call. My direct number is (972) 658-4001.