It can be challenging for your aging loved ones, in-home caregivers, or even the doctor of the elderly to see someone is in pain if they do not or cannot talk about it. Although chronic pain is usual among elderly folks, effective and efficient treatment can handle it, whether the cause is from an underlying health condition or progressive wear and tear on the body. Some older adults have idiopathic pain, implying there is no noticeable pain. If it becomes left untreated, chronic pain can impact several aspects in the life of the aging loved one, from lessening the ability to move to causing anxiety and depression. We suggest hiring a Hospital to Home Care agency like us to handle your care. 

Maintain a Keen Eye to See the Symptoms of Chronic Pain in Your Aging Loved One 

Making circumstances more complex is the fact that many elderly folks are slow to talk about their chronic pain or even recognize that they need assistance managing it. They may think telling about it to their children would only bother them, or they may even feel as though they will be discarded and taken lightly. Many older adults hide or do not report their chronic pain since they believe it is a normal part of the aging process that they cannot help and avoid. Chronic pain can be handled successfully- aging loved ones do not need to suffer alone and in silence. Even your aging loved one who lives with dementia and has no way of telling about their pain, a keen eye can notice warning signals. 

According to the report of the American Geriatric Society, in-home caregivers should be wary of the following red flags that show they need to take action: 

  • Vocalizing, like moaning and growling, when doing some movements
  • Distressed facial expression and clenched fists
  • Laziness, weakness, and immobility
  • Mood swings 
  • Loss of appetite
  • Trouble in holding things, or frequent dropping of objects 

It is essential to cure chronic pain promptly since it usually gets worse over time. By understanding the symptoms of chronic pain, you can support your loved ones to get the fastest treatment and care they need not only to lessen the pain but to keep their freedom as much as possible. 

How Do You Cure Chronic Pain Of Seniors? 

There are specific challenges in treating pain in older adults, such as taking several medications for different co-occurring health conditions. There are options, including pharmacological and nonpharmacological. to treat chronic pain in the elderly. There is also the combination approach from multidisciplinary clinicians often best of maximum relief. Elderly folks may require to visit a pharmacist, psychotherapist, geriatrician, and occupational or physical therapist. Aging loved ones and in-home caregivers can do their part, as well, by ensuring to step in to assure older adults keep current physician and therapy sessions. 

These are the treatment options for chronic pain in older adults: 

  • Physical therapy can lower the pain while enhancing their mobility skills through personalized exercises. Several effective therapies, such as warm paraffin baths, massage, and active and passive body stretches, can ease chronic pain. 
  • Occupational therapy is a form of rehab. It assists the patients with their daily tasks and helps them to help neutralize physical impairments or disabilities.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy, like depression and anxiety, can progress the thought of pain.
  • Nonopioid pharmacologic treatment does not include the usage of harmful and possibly habit-forming drugs. 
  • Anticonvulsant prescription can treat particular neuropathic pain dysfunctions. These medicines are off-label and intend to treat epilepsy and seizures.  
  • Antidepressant pills: Psychotropic drugs can alleviate depression, as persistent grief leads to increased thoughts of pain.

Contact Senior Buddies for Assistance with Chronic Pain Management in Your Aging Loved One

Professional home care agencies can be the perfect addition to the life of your senior loved one if they are experiencing chronic pain. They will be their companion and support them with customized care while assisting in alleviating loneliness and stress. Instead of risking your loved one getting lost in the crowd at a nursing facility where staff attends to many patients at a time, think of hiring in-home care as a more beneficial option for your and your aging loved one. 

Professional and skilled in-home caregivers have the training to detect the signs and red flags of chronic pain in their clients. Our dedicated and compassionate team of caregivers and care managers accommodate the need of your loved ones to cope up with chronic pain faster. For more inquiries about our in-home care services, call us now. We are available to answer your questions.