Description:
This module reviews basic principles of pain assessment and management in the older adult with a focus on pain at the end of life. Comprehensive pain assessment is essential to adequate pain relief in the elderly. There are many barriers impeding pain assessment and treatment in the older adult. Nurses should work collaboratively with the older adult, their family and interdisciplinary colleagues toward best use of drug and non-drug interventions. Treatment of pain at the end of life also includes attention to suffering.

Objectives:

• List components of a thorough pain assessment geared towards geriatric patients and residents of nursing homes.
• Identify barriers to adequate pain relief at the end of life for the older adult.
• Describe pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies used to relieve pain.
• Discuss the roles of the nurse and nursing assistants involved with pain assessment and management for older adults at the end of life.

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