This month in our 'Care Conversations' series, we're focusing on pain and how it can be better understood and managed.
While pain becomes more common as we get older, it is not a normal part of ageing and should never be accepted as something you simply have to live with.
Pain is your body's way of telling you that something may need attention. It can affect many aspects of your life, including your comfort, mobility, sleep, mood, confidence, independence, and overall quality of life.
Talking about pain early can help identify supports and strategies that may improve your comfort and wellbeing.
Understanding pain
Pain is both a sensation and an experience, meaning everyone experiences pain differently. The same condition may cause significant pain for one person and very little for another.
Pain may be short-term (acute), come and go (recurring), or continue for months or longer (chronic or persistent). It can occur for many reasons, including arthritis, injuries, surgery, nerve conditions, infections, and other health conditions.
Many causes of pain can be treated or better managed. The sooner pain is recognised and discussed, the sooner the right supports and treatments can be considered.
What to look out for:
New pain or pain that is getting worse
Pain that makes it difficult to move around or complete everyday activities
Difficulty sleeping because of pain
Avoiding activities or hobbies you usually enjoy
Feeling more tired than usual because of pain
Changes in mood, such as feeling frustrated, anxious, or withdrawn
Pain that is not improving with your usual treatment or medications
Needing more assistance with everyday tasks because of pain
Actionable steps you can take today:
Talk to your healthcare team — Let your GP or care team know if you have new, ongoing, or worsening pain.
Stay gently active — Continue gentle movement and activity where appropriate and recommended by your healthcare professional.
Take medications as prescribed — Take medications exactly as prescribed and discuss any concerns or side effects with your GP or pharmacist.
Use recommended aids — Use equipment or mobility aids that have been recommended to help you move safely and comfortably.
Track your pain — Try to identify anything that makes your pain better or worse and discuss this with your healthcare team.
Don't ignore pain — Don't ignore pain that is affecting your daily activities, sleep, mood, or independence.
Start the conversation
Many people believe pain is simply part of getting older or worry they are being a burden by talking about it. Pain should always be taken seriously, and you should never feel reluctant to discuss it.
You might consider:
Letting your Helper or care team know about changes you've noticed, even if they seem minor
Describing where your pain is and how it feels
Sharing when your pain occurs or what makes it better or worse
Discussing how pain is affecting your daily life, sleep, or independence
Asking whether additional supports, equipment, or referrals may help improve your comfort and quality of life
Where to get help
Support may include your GP, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, pain specialists, and other healthcare professionals, depending on your individual needs.
Pain is often managed using a combination of treatments and strategies that are tailored to your individual needs. Your healthcare team can work with you to determine the most appropriate approach.
How Five Good Friends can support you
Your care team can help by discussing your concerns, arranging a nurse visit if appropriate, reviewing your current supports, and exploring options that may help maintain or improve your quality of life. Availability of supports may depend on your individual circumstances and funding arrangements, which your care team will discuss with you.
How your Helper can support you
You can speak with your Helper about:
Supporting you with daily activities if pain is making tasks more difficult
Encouraging you to share concerns with your GP or care team
Supporting you to safely use equipment or mobility aids included in your care plan
Helping create a safe and comfortable environment within your home
Observing and reporting changes that may be affecting your comfort, mobility, or independence
You don't have to live with pain alone.
Support is available, and early conversations can make a meaningful difference.
Please reach out if pain is affecting your daily life or if you have noticed changes that concern you.
Call 1300 787 581 or email [email protected].