Alzheimer's Caregivers Tips - How to Spot Pain

Elizabeth Postle, owner and matron of a nursing home for 15 years, talks about pain and dementia, and explains how to tell if a person with dementia or Alzheimer’s is in pain and what to do about it.  She provides help for Alzheimer's caregivers in the form of education and training, through her website and her book.  

How do you know when someone with dementia or Alzheimer's is in pain? 

All parents of young babies know that they have to recognize the cry of hunger or colic, babies cannot tell you that they have teething pain.  Similarly caregivers of people with dementia or Alzheimer’s have to recognize changes in behavior patterns to ascertain that something is wrong. People with dementia don’t know how to tell you that they have pain.

A few signs of pain for Alzheimer's Caregivers to be aware of. . . 

Any of these signs may mean that your loved one is in pain but is unable to explain what is wrong: 

Any of these changes or unusual behavior should be reported to the Doctor as your loved one is unable to say I have earache or colic or explain what is wrong. 

Look out for changes of behaviour which might indicate pain

When we are caring for someone on a daily basis any change of behavior is easier to notice.  Is the loved one restless and more agitated than usual?  Could it be that they are constipated, for example and have colic?

Have they had a cold recently? Could they have a sore throat or a chest infection?

Has there been any change in their appetite are they eating more or less than usual? This could indicate a dental problem. Regular dental checks are essential as they could have a problem which could affect them eating well and cause pain.

Are they wandering around the home more?  Is incontinence of urine a new symptom which could indicate a urine infection?  Is their temperature normal?

Whilst helping to shower the loved one, the carer should become aware of any skin problems. Are there any sore areas or rashes seen? Do they need a podiatrist visit, a corn or long toenail can cause discomfort.

Remember to give people with dementia lots of drinks during the day.  Always have mugs of water available for them as dehydration can cause problems too. They cannot tell you they are thirsty and it can cause them discomfort.

Any changes of behavior could be a sign of discomfort.  Are they noisier than usual, this can be a sign that they have pain.

Has their sleeping pattern changed? Any discomfort will prevent your loved one from falling asleep as well as they used to.

If in any doubt then a doctor’s visit is the safest bet.  People with Alzheimer's cannot explain the pain they have and like everyone can fall victim to other illnesses.

Caregivers do a great job and deserve all the help they can get so must never be afraid to ask for advice from doctors, dentists, pharmacists, podiatrists and any of their care team members.

What to do about pain if your loved one has dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Sometimes pain relief and antibiotics are all that are needed to relieve a difficult new situation. Because someone has dementia, it does not mean that they are immune from all the other ailments we can suffer from. We can explain that we have back pain or neck ache but they cannot.  It is up to the carer to notice that all is not well and report your suspicions to the doctor.  He or she can examine your loved one and pain relief can be given as needed.

Never be afraid to voice your concerns no matter how trivial, because to save your loved one from pain is very worthwhile. 

My book is full of Alzheimer's Caregivers Tips: 

I have written a book all about caring for your loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s.  I have focused on the needs of the caregiver who is often grieving and in need of much support, as well as the best ways to care for the person with Alzheimer's.  Click on the image to see what else it includes.  

Click here to see contents

More Pages of Alzheimer's Caregivers Tips: 

Understanding unusual behaviours in Alzheimer's 

7 Warning Signs You Have Alzheimer's Spouse Grief

Please Support this Site with a Donation

If you have found our site helpful, please consider a small donation towards our running costs.  It is expensive in time and money to maintain the site and we try to keep it as ad free as we can! 

If everyone were to donate just one dollar, it would cover our costs.  A little more will help us to expand and reach even more people. 

Please note we are not a not-for-profit organisation, so you won't be able to claim this donation against your tax!  But we do need to eat and pay the phone bill!

You can use your paypal account but you don't need to belong to paypal to use this secure payment button, it accepts all major debit and credit cards. We do not collect any of your personal information when you make a payment. 

We thank you and all our readers thank you for whatever you can afford. 

Find us here:

search engine by freefind

Recent Articles

• 
• 
• 

1. Help Grieving the Loss of a Child

   Dec 03, 23 09:34 PM

   
   We bring you comfort when grieving the loss of a child, stories so you don't feel so alone, and a forum where you can ask questions

   Read More

2. Men and Grief - Why Do Men Grieve Differently?

   Dec 03, 23 09:33 PM

   
   Tips for men on grieving and help for women to understand men and grief and how they feel.

   Read More

3. Best Books on Grief for Loss of a Child

   Dec 03, 23 08:59 PM

   
   Loss of a child is the hardest grief of all. These books on grief for parents will help you to find ways of coping.

   Read More

If you are coping with Alzheimer's disease you might find our book helpful. 

Written by the author of this website, Elizabeth Postle, it has a lot of practical information about caring, as well as emotional support to help with the grief and stress of caring. 

Click on the book to learn more.  

Click here to see contents

---

Check Out Our Selection of the Best Sympathy Baskets Here

---

---

Sympathy Flowers and Gifts Click Here to Order

---

Funeral Sprays and Casket Flowers Order Here

---