If your loved one experiences chronic pain, you might notice that it is challenging to communicate with them. And there is a good reason behind it! When you’re always tired, withdrawn, and in pain, you are reluctant to share insights about your feelings. This is what happens with your parent, too!
The key to understanding the frustration and reluctance to ask for help is recognizing the toll chronic pain can take on the elderly. The good news is that you can support your parent with a bit of patience and guidance from our experts. Next, you can discover some tips on how to reach out to a senior experiencing chronic pain.
Genuinely listen to their discomfort and pains
Your loved one needs you to listen and avoid criticizing his condition. Many people are inclined to force their own beliefs on their suffering seniors. Still, experts advise it is always best to support your loved one with compassion. If you want to help your seniors go through the struggle of chronic pain with ease, you should know that it is extremely helpful just to sit there, hold his hand, and listen.
Acknowledge the fact that older adults might be reluctant to disclose they’re in chronic pain
In case you didn’t know already, almost all chronic pain patients are silent about their struggle and discomfort. And it might be the case for your loved one, too. Older adults fear ridicule. But at the same time, they believe that if they don’t talk about it, the pain will vanish. Indeed, there is no direct thing you can do about this. Still, you can speak with your loved one and ask what is wrong. Let him know that you’re really interested in what’s going on, but you understand if he doesn’t want to share.
Understand physical limitations and offer support
We can tell you from our experience that it is almost impossible to determine how well a senior with chronic pain can move. And since this is a serious problem, many patients experience a lack of optimal activity level. So, if you want to make your parent more comfortable, you should consider personalized caregiving services. It is an excellent opportunity to boost their independence and confidence while keeping them at home. Besides, with the help of a trained professional, your loved one will most likely regain mobility and lessen the burden of chronic pain.
The bottom line
Chronic pain can result from several health conditions. And this is the main reason why you should always be supportive. In many cases, a loved one may need help dressing, bathing, or going to the doctors. You can offer to help, but if they feel more comfortable with a caregiver, you should respect their wishes.