More than half of the 1.5 million patients that reside in nursing homes suffer substantial pain.  This article from McKnight’s informs us about the importance of having a heightened mindful awareness of the people we care for in order to properly identify and treat their pain.

Residents may not know how to describe pain or may be hesitant to complain about it because they believe that pain is just part of aging, or fear they’ll be viewed as “problem” residents.  Or they might wait so long to report pain that it becomes intractable and difficult to treat. Family values and beliefs, combined with fear, depression or denial also could interfere with managing pain, as might the family’s lack of knowledge about pain management techniques.

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