In the elderly population, pain and suffering are frequently ignored. Pain is one of the most common complaints that remains poorly treated in the elderly community. There are a number of reasons for this. Many of our elderly were brought up not to coddle themselves. They expect life to be challenging and believe it is their job to deal with it.
There are changes in the way the body works as we age. Pain is not a normal part of aging, even though elderly people may have more health problems. The pain may be a sign that something is wrong.
Pain can be caused by cancer, arthritis, migraines or back pains. It can also be caused by physical injuries, such as with surgery, accidents or falls. In some cases, there can even be an injury, such as a fracture, where the patient is not aware of an accident or fall.
Tasks, such as preparing their own meals and taking medicines, can be more than an elderly person can manage. They may want to remain independent and rely only on themselves to meet their needs. Instead of using a telephone or a lifeline alert system, they may walk to find help if they become ill or experience pain. They may not consider their illness worthy of a call to "911" even if they are experiencing symptoms of a heart attack.
In order for a doctor to prescribe medications to manage pain, they must be informed about the nature of they pain and the frequency. Many elderly patients either don't think to tell the doctor about the pain they experience or they withhold this information in an effort to be strong.
Some of the elderly who suffer from early alzheimer's, tell the doctor how they are feeling at that moment, and have actually forgotten for the moment the pain they have experienced for the last few months. Others may withhold information about pain because they fear that reporting the pain may lead to painful diagnostic procedures or hospitalization. Some attempt to be "good" by not complaining about the pain. In other cases, they don't mention the pain because they believe there is no help for it.
Medications most commonly prescribed for pain are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, often called NSAIDs, non-narcotic analgesics and narcotic analgesics. A doctor, in consultation with the patient and their advocate, can best determine the appropriate pain reliever.
External advocates, such as family members, are often necessary to make the pain visible to medical professionals and to request treatment. Caregivers who are aware of the pain must often take it upon themselves to ask to be invited to come along on the doctor appointments. Many times, the best person to make themselves heard in a doctor's office or hospital is a family member.
Illness and pain cause helplessness, physical and emotional dependence and the loss of social power. This results in needless suffering.
The relief of pain and suffering, whenever possible, is a fundamental responsibility of health care professionals and patient advocates. The special needs of the elderly affect home health care workers, the medical profession at large and family members. All three groups share the responsibility of seeing that the pain is evaluated and treated.
There are changes in the way the body works as we age. Pain is not a normal part of aging, even though elderly people may have more health problems. The pain may be a sign that something is wrong.
Pain can be caused by cancer, arthritis, migraines or back pains. It can also be caused by physical injuries, such as with surgery, accidents or falls. In some cases, there can even be an injury, such as a fracture, where the patient is not aware of an accident or fall.
Tasks, such as preparing their own meals and taking medicines, can be more than an elderly person can manage. They may want to remain independent and rely only on themselves to meet their needs. Instead of using a telephone or a lifeline alert system, they may walk to find help if they become ill or experience pain. They may not consider their illness worthy of a call to "911" even if they are experiencing symptoms of a heart attack.
In order for a doctor to prescribe medications to manage pain, they must be informed about the nature of they pain and the frequency. Many elderly patients either don't think to tell the doctor about the pain they experience or they withhold this information in an effort to be strong.
Some of the elderly who suffer from early alzheimer's, tell the doctor how they are feeling at that moment, and have actually forgotten for the moment the pain they have experienced for the last few months. Others may withhold information about pain because they fear that reporting the pain may lead to painful diagnostic procedures or hospitalization. Some attempt to be "good" by not complaining about the pain. In other cases, they don't mention the pain because they believe there is no help for it.
Medications most commonly prescribed for pain are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, often called NSAIDs, non-narcotic analgesics and narcotic analgesics. A doctor, in consultation with the patient and their advocate, can best determine the appropriate pain reliever.
External advocates, such as family members, are often necessary to make the pain visible to medical professionals and to request treatment. Caregivers who are aware of the pain must often take it upon themselves to ask to be invited to come along on the doctor appointments. Many times, the best person to make themselves heard in a doctor's office or hospital is a family member.
Illness and pain cause helplessness, physical and emotional dependence and the loss of social power. This results in needless suffering.
The relief of pain and suffering, whenever possible, is a fundamental responsibility of health care professionals and patient advocates. The special needs of the elderly affect home health care workers, the medical profession at large and family members. All three groups share the responsibility of seeing that the pain is evaluated and treated.
About the Author:
Janine Sanderstine has been helping seniors for over twenty years. She maintains a websites with information on Assisted Living Facilities in Alabama Assisted Living Facilities in Arizona
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