Whether they have suffered a fall or were hurt during an activity, seeing a loved one in pain because of an injury is challenging. But accidents and injuries do occur, especially to older adults who may have balance, mobility, or flexibility issues. When elderly people have an injury, their pain may also linger a bit longer, and recovery may not be as easy. Chronic pain is difficult, but there are some easy ways to help alleviate and overcome pain.

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Whether for you or for someone you love, check out these tips.

5 Tips to Manage and Overcome Pain

  1. Stay Active: For any individual experiencing pain from an injury, the natural tendency is to think that they shouldn’t be too active while they recover. But staying active (with a doctor’s supervision) is typically a great way to strengthen muscles and joints and promote overall wellbeing. Sitting inside for too long is not good for anyone’s health. A physician or physical therapist can give advice as to the most appropriate type of activity, taking into account the injury and the condition of the injured.
  2. Try a Massage: The opioid crisis is cause for concern, and so staying away from habit-forming substances as much as possible is recommended. If your elderly loved one is experiencing chronic pain, massages can be an effective and natural way to assist with pain management. There are many local massage professionals that specialize in working with the elderly and can assist your loved one. If they are uncomfortable with the idea, bring them in for a consultation first and let them speak with the massage therapist. If your loved one is in an assisted living facility, chances are they have a massage therapist on site for senior massages. If you go offsite, be sure to have your senior’s medical records so that the massage therapist understands their condition – or have the physician speak with the massage therapist.
  3. Listen Carefully: Suffering in silence is never fun for anyone, but it can be especially troubling for a senior citizen who doesn’t want to “burden” their family. Sometimes just being there to listen to your loved ones, letting them vent and complain and explain their pain can be a huge emotional release. When stress is reduced, health has a better chance of returning.
  4. Minimize Inflammation with Ice or Heat: At some point, virtually everyone has used ice to help reduce the swelling, or heat to minimize the pain of an injury – so why not for your senior loved one? Consult with your elderly loved ones about the pain they are feeling, and speak with their doctor about the effective use of heat or ice. Strained muscles typically respond more effectively to heating pads. But whether you use heat or ice, be sure to supervise your loved one. You don’t want them stuck in discomfort or for their skin to be irritated.
  5. Keep Them Engaged: When an individual is bored or has nothing to distract them, pain can seem worse. Their mind thinks of nothing else but the pain – but giving them something else to think about can help immensely. Whether playing a game, watching a show, or engaging in conversation – keeping your loved one engaged can keep their mind off their aching leg. A cup of tea, a moment of prayer or meditation, or a playlist of soothing music can all help to relax and pacify someone in pain.

If your loved one is in assisted living or memory care, be sure to ask about any programs – such as exercise, massage, or social events – which may be available to help overcome pain.

A Banyan Residence is a professional assisted living and memory care center in The Villages.