Elderly individuals that experience chronic pain tend to be one of the most difficult populations to effectively treat. A new study found that sometimes a few extra minutes of attention can go a long way toward uncovering methods of helping seniors that are in pain live a higher quality of life.
Researchers at the University of Washington Medicine’s Center for Pain Relief found that an in depth series of questions allowed doctors and other medical staff to gain a better understanding of an individual’s circumstances, and then a more customized approach to treatment can be utilized. Questions focused on genetics, treatment history, lifestyle, goals and expectations, disability, and quality of life issues, such as sleeping habits. When this detailed information was collected, a more certain path could be determined to help reveal better treatment options. This questionnaire is called PainTracker, and doctors have commented that it could lead to less of a dependence on the prescription of opioids to help deal with chronic pain.
In the past, a 0-10 scale for monitoring and measuring pain has been used. While this reveals some knowledge, it is not always the most reliable method. It also doesn’t reveal much information about why that pain exists or any of the circumstances behind it. A better method has been long overdue.
Put into other words, this study found out something that we have already known and allowed to become one of our guiding beliefs: everyone is unique and has individual needs and desires that need to be given attention. And because of this, every person that we assist needs an individualized approach in respects to the application of their senior care.
Chronic pain can often be treated more effectively with a personal approach to care.
PainTracker does take a unique approach to the quality of medical care that senior citizens and others suffering from chronic pain will receive, but it relies on a tried and tested method of helping people. When the person is the focus of attention and not their physical symptoms or medical problems, that person can receive a better level of care. They receive more personal attention, love, compassion, and help. This is true of medical care, and it’s true of non-medical senior care. When someone feels valued and is treated kindly, they are going to be happier. Mental health goes a long way toward improving physical health. That’s why we think our brand of in-home care is so important. Your elderly loved one will be treated like the unique person that they are, and not just another person who needs help. When care is given in this warm and personal manner, the results tend to be a lot more positive.
Is in-home care right for everyone? No. But it is right for a lot of people. And personalized care–wherever it might be applied–is always right. So, if you have questions about how you can provide a more personal type of assistance to an elderly parent, feel free to get in touch with us today. We can go over care options with you and your family during a free consultation and help get you started down this road. Hopefully, we can guide you toward the best care solution for your family.
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