Pain in older people is a common problem, with studies estimating that between 26%1 and 86%2 of residents in residential aged care facilities experience pain on a regular basis. Pain can have a significant effect on an individual’s quality of life, and may also decrease their ability to function effectively. Pain can limit mobility, decrease social interactions, decrease appetite, alter sleep and rest patterns and cause changes to psychological well being. People who experience chronic pain can become anxious and depressed. However, in most instances pain is manageable with the use of pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management strategies.

Autumn Aged Care following pain management guidelines to formally manage pain and provide clinical, medication and allied health support to support residents experiencing pain, this includes regular massage therapy, physiotherapy and reviews by the clinical staff for medication.

Autumn Aged Care staff work in partnership with our residents experiencing pain, as we understand pain is very personal and individual experience and those living with chronic pain often know what works best for them.

Further interventions and support can include:

• Access to visiting specialist doctors that can assist with pain management programs
• Heat pack or cool pack therapy
• Music therapy – visiting 1:1 therapeutic harp session
• Gentle exercise classes
• Emotional support
• Assistance with re positioning by nursing staff
• Comprehensive lifestyle programs to assist with diversion of thoughts from chronic pain.
• Trans-cutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy