Recognizing Pain in Seniors with Dementia

Author

McKenney Home Care SWFL & MSC

For more information about the author, click to view their website: McKenney Home Care

Posted on

Sep 25, 2023

Book/Edition

Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties , Florida - Southwest

Studies suggest a large portion of seniors with dementia have unrecognized, severe pain. A recent study out of the University of Rochester suggests that nearly a third of severe pain cases go unrecognized when seniors have dementia.^1-3 Pain in dementia can lead to other problems such as agitation, aggression, hallucinations, delusions, depression, impaired physical function, and increased mortality risk. What can we do?

It can be difficult for family caregivers to recognize pain, even severe pain, when loved ones have dementia. Doctors and nurses often rely on reports from family caregivers. When it comes to questions about pain, clinicians should take a moment to try to engage a patient directly. They also need to do observational assessments. Tools such as the Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia (PAINAD) scale can be used to standardize, quantify, and rate pain assessments. Importantly, tools such as these can guide clinicians in observation techniques that can improve the detection of pain among patients with dementia. Family caregivers can try free tools such as these themselves. Moreover, they can prompt their clinicians to use a pain assessment scale specifically designed for patients with dementia.

Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia Scale (PAINAD): http://dementiapathways.ie/_filecache/04a/ddd/98-painad.pdf

References

Wang J, Monroe TB, Simning A, Conwell Y, Caprio TV, Cai X, Temkin-Greener H, Muench U, Yu F, Ge S, Li Y. Pain management in home health care: relationship with dementia and facility admissions. Pain Management Nursing. 2021 Feb 1;22(1):36-43.
Paulson CM, Monroe T, Mion LC. Pain assessment in hospitalized older adults with dementia and delirium. Journal of Gerontological Nursing. 2014 Jun 1;40(6):10-5.
Wu N, Miller SC, Lapane K, Roy J, Mor V. Impact of cognitive function on assessments of nursing home residents’ pain. Medical Care. 2005 Sep 1:934-9.

Recognizing Pain in Seniors with Dementia

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McKenney Home Care

Non-Medical 9655 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, Florida, 34108

McKenney Home Care is a trusted provider of personalized home care services in Southwest Florida, committed to helping seniors maintain independence and quality of life in the comfort of their own homes. With a highly trained, compassionate team, McKenney Home Care offers a range of services, including companion care, skilled nursing, and specialized support for those with Alzheimers, dementia, or chronic conditions. Their client-centered approach ensures that every care plan is tailored to meet unique needs, from short-term recovery to ongoing care. McKenney Home Care is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of clients and providing peace of mind for families through reliable, high-quality in-home care solutions.McKenney Home Care offers a comprehensive range of in-home services designed to meet the unique needs of each client. Their services include:Personal Care Assistance: Bathing, dressing, grooming, and hygiene supportCompanion Care: Engaging companionship, socialization, and assistance with daily activitiesSkilled Nursing: Medication management, injections, wound care, and other medical services provided by licensed nursesAlzheimers and Dementia Care: Specialized support for memory care needs with compassionate, trained caregiversChronic Condition Management: Care plans tailored to clients with chronic conditions, including Parkinsons, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseaseHospital-to-Home Transition: Assistance with the transition from hospital to home, including follow-up care and support for recoveryEnd-of-Life and Hospice Support: Compassionate care focused on comfort and quality of lifeRespite Care: Temporary care to provide relief for primary caregiversTransportation and Errands: Safe transport for appointments, errands, and outingsMeal Preparation and Nutrition: Nutritious meal planning, preparation, and feeding assistance as neededLight Housekeeping and Home Safety: Assistance with household tasks to maintain a safe, clean environment