Pain Management In The Home Care Setting

What is pain?

• An uncomfortable feeling that tells you that something may be wrong
• Your body's way of sending a warning to your brain

Is Pain a problem?

• Pain is a major health care crisis in the United States
• More than 13
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0 million Americans suffer from chronic pain
• Chronic pain creates both physical and emotional suffering
• Pain can decrease a person's strength, coordination, and independence
• Pain can create stress and even lead to depression
• The good news is that pain can be relieved or greatly eased with proper pain management!
• Research and experience have shown that pain management is best accomplished by a team of health care professionals working with you on dealing with pain.
• Be persistent, insist on your rights, and don't give up.

The Truth is...

• Pain is not something you "just have to live with"
• You need to talk to your doctor about pain
• Pain medications rarely cause addiction
• Most side effects from medications can be managed
• If you act quickly with pain starts, you can often prevent it from getting worse

Remember...

• Pain is whatever the person experiencing pain says it is
• Pain exists whenever the person experiencing the pain says it does
• The experience and perception of pain differ from person to person and pain must always be taken from an individual's vantage point

The Pain Care Bill of Rights

As a person with pain, you have:

• The right to have your report of pain taken seriously and be treated with dignity and respect
• The right to have your pain thoroughly assessed and promptly treated
• The right to know what may be causing your pain, possible treatments, and the benefits, risks, and costs of each
• The right to actively participate in decisions on how to manage your pain
You also have:

• The right to have your pain reassessed regularly and treatment adjusted if your pain continues
• The right to be referred to a pain specialist if your pain persists
• The right to get clear and prompt answers to your questions, take time to make decisions and the right to refuse a type of treatment if you choose

Although not always required by law, these are rights you should expect, and if necessary, demand for your pain management.

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