Rhode Island

Falling is a big worry for many seniors who are more prone to potentially serious injuries as they get older, and for those that suffer with chronic pain, there’s even more reason to worry because their risks of falls increase. Chronic pain is relatively common amongst older adults 70 and older, and this can increase the potential for falls by up to 50%. Despite the fact that this is a prevalent problem, it often goes untreated both at the fault of seniors and their doctors. Take matters into your own hands if you’re a senior who suffers from chronic pain to protect your health.

1. Keep a pain journal – using a calendar or day planner to rate the level of pain felt each day creates a document of the consistency and frequency of the pain and can help identify other factors that might contribute to it. Seniors can rate their pain on a scale from 1 to 10 in their journal

2. Be persistent – doctors don’t always take a senior’s complaint of pain seriously. Some may feel that the older adult is simply complaining, others may not think it’s as serious because some seniors downplay their experiences. Seniors suffering from chronic pain need to be honest, and persistent to make their doctor understand

3. Understand triggers – if specific activities make the pain worse or physical temperatures outdoors, seniors should record this and adjust their activities to reduce the instances

4. Get on with life – chronic pain can cause seniors to withdraw and avoid all activity. They should continue with activities that they enjoy and maintain a physical routine

Via: Chronic Pain Support

Image Source: sxc.hu

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.