Pain Management- An Integral Aspect Of Senior Health Care

The elderly population presents many challenges to medical practitioners, including severe and declining physical and medical conditions. The biggest myth is that pain is normal in elderly people. Many seniors feel that it’s normal to feel pain as a part of growing old and so they do not report it on time. Pain in the elderly are either untreated or under-treated and these have a profound impact on their quality of life.  Pain is one of the feared complications that accompany old age. It has a severe impact on the mood and functionality and often results in depression, anxiety, social isolation and sleep disturbances. Lack of training, inappropriate pain assessment and reluctance to prescribe opioid medicines also result in many elders living with chronic pain. There are various options for pain management available that can be used to manage varying levels and durations of pain for the elderly.

Types of pain

Depending on its duration, pain can be classified as either acute or chronic.

Chronic pain or persistent pain is one that can last from 3 to 6 months. Many elderly people think it is normal and attribute it to ageing. However, such chronic pain if left untreated can limit one’s abilities and cause long-term psychological damage as well.

Acute pain usually lasts for less than a month but is accompanied by elevated heart rate and blood pressure. Acute pain is directly related to soft tissue damage such as a sprained ankle or an injury and is relatively more sharp and severe.

Common causes of pain in seniors

– Arthritis

– Cramps

– Poor blood circulation

– Falls due to the imbalance

– Post-surgery pain

– Damaged nerves

Treatment

Treating pain in the elderly is quite complicated. Most seniors suffer from at least two or more chronic conditions that need to be treated and considered simultaneously. Cardiac issues, diabetes as well as various arthritis issues can be found in most elders above the age of 60. Although several pain relievers are safe for older people, it is recommended to get one after careful evaluation of medical history by an experienced physician. Here are some general treatment options for pain in the elderly:

– Analgesics including Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – if required

– Cold laser therapy

– Acupuncture

– Cognitive behaviour therapy

– Massage therapy

– Yoga or pilates

There are multiple challenges in administering drugs to older people. Medical practitioners have to consider various aspects and be conscious of issues that might arise in the elderly. In the course of ageing, the kidneys and liver undergo many changes. Kidneys become smaller in size and do poor filtration of blood while the liver might be having difficulty in breaking down even simple medications. To overcome these challenges, doctors usually start treatment of senior patients with low doses, constant observation and rehabilitation wherever possible.

At Primus Reflection, we have created a luxurious residential community for senior living. Every resident at Primus Reflection is a senior and there is organise care available to ensure their well being. We have changed the concept of retirement homes for senior citizens and made it a space where they can live in a relaxing, comfortable, and healthy ecosystem with a community filled with people their age. So live, laugh, lighten up and spend the second innings of your life at Reflection.