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 Intact

Pain Assessment in Cognitively Intact Older Adults


 

The following research-based tools are useful to screen for pain and measure pain intensity in older adults who can indicate the presence and/or severity of pain verbally, in writing, or by other means such as finger span, pointing, head movement, or blinking eyes to answer yes or no questions.

Recommendations for Assessing Pain in Cognitively Intact Older Adults - List of recommendations to screen for pain in cognitively intact older adults

Pain Assessment Tools

FACES Pain Scale Revised (FPS-R)

Pain intensity rating scale useful for all older adults, including those with mild to moderate cognitive impairment. Some older adults will find this tool easy to use, and may prefer it over the Numerical Rating Scale. This scale requires either verbal ability or the ability to point to the image on the scale that most closely represents their pain.

  • FACES Pain Scale Revised (FPS-R) Instructions PDF - Instructions on the use of the FACES Pain Scale Revised (FPS-R)
  • FACES Pain Scale Revised (FPS-R) PDF

Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)

Pain intensity rating scale for use with individuals who can point to or state the number that reflects their current pain level.

  • Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) Instructions PDF - Instructions detailing the use of the numeric rating scale (NRS) to assess pain intensity for persons able to self report.
  • Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) Tool PDF - Pain intensity rating scale for use with individuals who can point to or state the number that reflects their current pain level.

Iowa Pain Thermometer- Revised

Pain intensity rating scale good for use with any individuals, including those with moderate to severe cognitive impairment.

  • Iowa Pain Thermometer-Revised Instructions PDF - Instructions detailing the use of the Iowa Pain Thermometer-Revised to assess pain intensity for persons able to self report and is the best choice for most older adults.
  • Iowa Pain Thermometer-Revised PDF - (VDS) or Iowa Pain Thermometer-Revised Tool

Pain Assessment Support Resources

Comprehensive Pain Assessment Form 

Form to assess pain in cognitively intact older adults.

  • Comprehensive Pain Assessment Form - PDF Version

Pain Diary

A daily or weekly pain diary is potentially useful for older adults and the health care team. Pain diaries can enhance a sense of control during a time when many older adults experience a loss of control and can be appropriate in many settings. Pain diaries can be added to the care plan for the appropriate older adult with two-fold purpose: 1) for helping the care team gather information about pain care effectiveness and 2) to help the older adult better understand their pain experience. Care providers may find the information gained is useful to improve overall pain care.

  • Pain Diary

ID Pain: a Neuropathic Pain Screen 

Pain Screening Tool to evaluate presence of neuropathic pain.

  • Neuropathic Pain Screen
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