Skip to main content
The University of Iowa
University of Iowa

GeriatricPain.org

Top links

  • Give a Gift

Site Main Navigation

  • Clinicians
    • Pain Assessment
    • Pain Management
    • Pain Education
    • Quality Improvement
    • External Pain Resources
  • Older Adults
    • Communication with Healthcare Provider
    • Pain Assessment Information
    • Pain Management Information
    • External Pain Resources
  • Family Caregivers
    • Communication with Healthcare Provider
    • Pain Assessment Information
      • Family Caregiver Toolkit: Pain and Dementia
    • Pain Management Information
    • External Pain Resources
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Breadcrumb

  1. Home

Cognitively Impaired

Pain Assessment in Cognitively Impaired Older Adults


Use the following tools to screen for pain in older adults who have dementia or other cognitive impairment with a limited ability to communicate.

General Guidelines for Pain Assessment in Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment - List of recommendations for completing a pain assessment for older adults with cognitive impairments.

Toolkit for Family Caregivers to assess pain in family members with dementia.

Pain Assessment Tools

Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia (PAINAD)

Pain assessment tools used to assess pain in older adults who have dementia or other cognitive impairment and are unable to reliably communicate their pain.

  • PAINAD Instructions PDF - How to use the PAINAD tool
  • PAINAD PDF - Can be printed on card stock (front to back) and laminated for use as pocket-sized pain assessment tool.
Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate (PACSLAC)

Checklist to screen for pain in older adults who have dementia or other cognitive impairment with a limited ability to communicate.

  • PACSLAC Instructions PDF- How to use the PACSLAC Checklist 
  • PACSLAC PDF
Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate (PACSLAC-II)

Revised PACSLAC with fewer items on a checklist to screen for pain in older adults who have dementia or other cognitive impairment resulting in a limited ability to communicate.

  • PACSLAC-II Instruction PDF - How to use the PACSLAC-II Checklist
  • PACSLAC-II PDF

Comprehensive Pain Assessment Form (Cognitively Impaired)

  • Comprehensive Pain Assessment Form

Pain Assessment Support Resources

Detecting Discomfort Video - Educational video designed to teach nursing assistants to identify the behaviors that cognitively impaired older adults may show when they are in pain or discomfort, and to understand the ways they can help cognitively impaired older adults get relief of their pain or discomfort $49.99).

How to Try This Video: Pain Assessment in Older Adults - Details about a FREE 1-hour video that contains content on assessment of both cognitively intact and cognitively impaired older adults and relevant for the nursing home population.

Analgesic Trial for Suspected Pain in Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment - Description of how to complete an analgesic trial for suspected pain in older adults with cognitive impairments.

The University of Iowa
University of Iowa

GeriatricPain.org

 
Disclaimer

The developers of GeriatricPain.org have attempted to confirm the accuracy of all resources presented on this website. However, use of the information provided remains the responsibility of the individual clinician. Health care providers should use their clinical judgment in each situation and consider factors such as the patient’s age, medical condition, and the benefits versus risks of a suggested treatment.

Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Admin Login

Footer primary

  • New Resources
  • Site Policies
  • © 2023 The University of Iowa
  • Privacy Notice
  • Nondiscrimination Statement
  • Accessibility
  • UI Indigenous Land Acknowledgement