Seniors Living with Chronic Pain

Senior Health  |  June 14, 2021

What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB Needs to Know About Living with Chronic Pain

Seniors Living with Chronic Pain | The number of North Americans who suffer from chronic pain annually is staggering!

A recent report by the Institute of Medicine estimates the number of people who live with persistent pain — pain that lasts for more than 3 to 6 months — to be 100 million.

Unfortunately, seniors are far more likely than the average adult to be among those that suffer from it. Up to 88% of older adults report some form of chronic pain. But the good news is that older adults working with their healthcare provider can learn to manage their condition and live a full life despite the pain, no matter what their age.

Seniors Living with Chronic Pain: Are They More Vulnerable?

Seniors are more vulnerable to chronic pain for several reasons including greater joint and muscle wear and tear, the presence of other medical conditions, and a general decrease in activity levels. They are also more at risk for accidents that can lead to chronic pain.

Seniors Living with Chronic Pain: Common Types:

About 20% of senior adults report taking pain medications several times per week, usually for joint or muscle-related pain. The more common types of chronic pain seniors tend to have are:

• Arthritis / joint pain
• Peripheral neuropathy, often associated with diabetes
• Central pain syndrome, often associated with stroke
• Repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
• Lingering pain from injuries, such as rotator cuff tear or hip fracture
• Cancer pain
• Depression-associated pain

Seniors Living with Chronic Pain and How a Caregiver Can Help

As a caregiver, it’s important to know that dealing with chronic pain in seniors can be more challenging because it can be harder to diagnose and treat. Why? Well, statistics show that older adults are less likely to be forthcoming about their pain when speaking with their doctors. This could be out of fear of potential illness, or because they do not want to seem vulnerable. Oftentimes seniors feel that pain comes with age and that reporting it is unnecessary. Some may also have more trouble communicating their pain because of decreased hearing, compromised abilities associated with a stroke, or even dementia. The result for many seniors is that it leaves them trying to cope with chronic pain unguided, and may also leave them open to anxiety and depression.

Falls among the senior population generally cause more damage and complications than they do among younger adults, too. Older adults who have chronic joint pain or muscle aches, especially in the legs, are 50% more prone to falling than seniors who don’t have it. This is bad news in general for seniors because when you couple an injury from a fall with a persistent pain condition, there is a longer recovery period and a return to a potentially lower quality of life.

Comfort Keepers® in Edmonton Can Help with In-Home Elderly Care!

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help. Comfort Keepers®’ trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. 

Companionship and Interactive Caregiving™

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Moreover, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. Empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. 

Learn more about our unique service offering by contacting the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office. If you live in Devon, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact Comfort Keepers at 780-465-4665.

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. Is Invoicing the Right Option for You?  Read more about the program HERE.

Comfort Keepers Edmonton is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible. Awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. Our Edmonton location has achieved the highest available certification in Canada for Home Care services, clearly demonstrating Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton.

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