Pain is a universal experience, but for seniors living in skilled nursing homes, it can be a big problem that affects their quality of life.
As caretakers and loved ones, it is important to understand pain management’s role in ensuring our elders get the care they need and deserve.
Join us as we explore why effective pain management is essential for skilled nursing homes and how to provide better support for those suffering from chronic conditions or acute injuries.
Pain management in skilled nursing homes
There are many ways to manage pain, and it’s important for both residents and their families to understand the options.
The first step in managing pain is identifying it. Many residents may not realize they’re in pain or cannot communicate it. Family members and nursing staff need to be attuned to signs of pain, such as changes in mood, increased agitation, or withdrawal from activities.
Once pain is identified, there are various ways to treat it. Working with a healthcare team to find the best approach for each resident is vital.
The role of a physiatrist in nursing facilities
A physiatrist is a medical professional who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Physiatrists work with patients to improve their quality of life and function after an injury or illness.
In nursing facilities, physiatrists play an important role in the care of residents. They work with the interdisciplinary team to develop custom treatment plans. Treatment may include medications, therapies, and assistive devices.
Benefits of pain management and psychiatry in skilled nursing homes
Pain management and physiatrists can help to:
- improve the quality of life for residents, as well as increase their independence and mobility.
- reduce the risk of falls, pressure ulcers, and other complications.
- improve residents’ mental health and overall well-being.
- reduce the amount of medication needed and the risk of side effects. This can result in fewer visits to the doctor and lower costs for medications.
Pain assessment in care homes
Pain is an unpleasant experience that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life.
There are several ways to assess pain, including self-report, observation, and physiological measures.
- Self-report is the most common assessment method. It involves asking the individual to rate their pain on a scale from 0 to 10.
- Observation can be used to look for signs of pain, such as facial expressions or body language.
- Physiological measures like heart rate or blood pressure can also assess pain.
It is important to use a consistent assessment method so that changes in pain levels can be accurately tracked over time.
Types of pain and treatment options
There are many types of pain that people experience, and each type of pain requires a different type of treatment. The most common types of pain are:
- Headaches
- Muscle aches and pains
- Joint pain
- Arthritis pain
- Neuropathic pain
- Chronic pain
Effective treatments for advanced pain management and care
The best way to provide advanced pain management and care is to use a combination of medication and non-medication treatments, such as changing position, relaxation, heat and cold, and massage.
Every resident will have different needs and preferences, so it is important to tailor the care plan to each.
It’s vital for nurses to take pain reports seriously and use an interdisciplinary approach to ensure the best care for the residents.
Nursing homes specializing in helping people with pain can improve a person’s physical and mental health, making them happier.
If you or someone you care about is looking for a nursing home, ask about the pain management program to ensure it fits your needs.
Where to go for advanced pain management?
At Florida Spine Pain, we are dedicated to helping our elderly patients find relief from their chronic pain.
We strive to provide compassionate care, working with our patients to develop custom plans that meet their needs.
If you or a loved one is struggling with chronic pain, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for a consultation.
Photo by Sasun Bughdaryan on Unsplash
