From caregivers to the loved ones they care for, many adults across the U.S. know one thing about chronic pain: It is relentless.

“At Great Care, we are personally familiar with a diverse range of medical conditions affecting our seniors every day. And from our experience, we know that chronic pain makes a huge impact on quality of life,” says Great Care Founder and CEO Julie Sullivan.

Research shows that chronic pain is associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety. Sleep disturbance and insomnia, emotional withdrawal, decreased physical activity — often resulting in weight gain —and medication dependency, interactions and side effects are just some of the difficult consequences resulting from chronic pain.

“Coping with chronic pain can really have a negative impact on the aging process, and that’s not how many folks imagine spending their golden years,” Sullivan says. “We try to remain up to date with advancements in chronic pain management so our caregivers can help seniors enjoy this special time in their lives.”

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), pain affects more Americans than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined. The NIH also reports that chronic pain is the most common cause of long-term disability.

With the growing subset of seniors as Baby Boomers reach 65 and older, the far-reaching impact of chronic pain has prompted the NIH to make major discoveries to improve health outcomes for those with acute or chronic pain. The NIH is applying opportunities in genomics and other technologies to improve the understanding of the fundamental causes of pain.

“This will be accomplished through translating basic laboratory science to new, improved pain treatments and by providing strategic support for the research community to discover more effective pain treatment strategies,” reports the NIH.

Many effective strategies can be applied as seniors and their caregivers face chronic pain. The American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) suggests these coping skills in managing pain:

• Do not dwell on physical symptoms of pain.
• Focus on abilities, not disabilities.
• Recognize and talk freely about feelings about pain and its control over people’s lives. Do not make judgments.
• Use relaxation exercises to help ease the tension that increases pain and redirect attention away from pain and suffering.
• Demonstrate mild stretching exercises and encourage them daily, if your doctor approves.
• Set realistic goals and evaluate them weekly so they may be achieved one step at a time.

The ACPA says medications and treatments, along with pain management techniques including relaxation, pacing and exercise, can play a big role in reducing pain and improving quality of life.

“But bodies and medical conditions differ; what helps your friend may not be good for you,” says the nonprofit organization whose mission is to facilitate peer support and education for individuals with chronic pain and their families and raise awareness among the healthcare community, policy makers, and the public at large about issues of living with chronic pain. “It pays to learn as much as you can about the treatment options available and how to use them safely. And as always, if you have questions, ask your health care provider.”

For information about the ACPA, chronic pain support groups, relaxation, pain medication and treatment resources, and National Pain Awareness Month in September, visit http://theacpa.org.
The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs. Great Care is a non medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Fishers, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (317) 595-9933 for more information.