Information for Family Caregivers
This section was created for family caregivers with support from the Marilynn H. Bowers Dementia Education and Outreach Fund. The information provided in this section can serve as a roadmap to assist family caregivers to understand the most effective ways to communicate with their loved one’s Healthcare team about pain. In addition, the information should assist family caregivers to understand general concepts related to pain assessment and pain management/treatment.
*New Video Resources*
Experiences of Caregivers Caring for People with Pain
Hear diverse experiences of family caregivers who provide care for persons with pain, including addressing various types of pain, cultural and racial/ethnic differences and experiences with ageism and racism, and the impact of caring on mental health and relationship quality.
Pain Management Self-Care, Resources, and Techniques
Explore the impact of caring for someone in pain on the family caregiver, including effects on mental health and the quality of the relationship. Hear strategies for managing stress and improving caregiver self-care, such as framing the experience in a positive way, dealing with frustration and anger, and taking time for self.
The videos are housed on the AARP website and were developed in partnership with Home Alone Alliance and Betty Moore Family Caregiving Institute.
Communication with Healthcare Provider
The information in this section provides support to family caregivers to understand the most effective ways to communicate with their family member’s healthcare team about pain. And, assist them in documenting and communicating important information about pain to the healthcare team.
Pain Assessment Information
The information in this section provides family caregivers with knowledge in the form of “Fast Facts” (documents that provide a brief overview and details about a specific subject) about pain assessment, pain assessment tools used to determine the level of pain an older adult is experiencing and its impact on function.
Pain Management Information
The information in this section provides family caregivers with knowledge in the form of “Fast Facts” (documents that provide a brief overview and details about a specific subject) that review topics such as An Overview of Nondrug Pain and Symptom Management; specific non-drug pain management techniques; Safety Precautions for Opioid Use; Opioid Side Effects, and Bowel Management for Opioid Use.
External Pain Resources
Links to a variety of external caregiver- and pain-focused organizations and resources.
Webpage Last Revised 07.17.2023