As a home care aide, you have an important job. You assist with a patient's activities of daily living (ADL's), like showering, dressing, cleaning, grooming, and even light cooking. Since you are often there during transitory times (like getting a patient in and out of the shower), it is important for you to help with a patient's pain management where appropriate. While you can't give medication, you can alert the nurses when you notice pain. You can also help the patient control their pain through some complimentary techniques.
How to Know a Patient is in Pain
A patient may not tell you they are in pain. They may not want to be a bother or they may think it doesn't matter anymore because the pain is so constant. Long-term pain can lead to depression, so it is important to keep it under control. Here are some things you might notice if your patient is in pain:
- excessive fatigue from lack of sleep
- withdrawal
- appetite changes, usually loss of appetite
- apathy and loss of interest in things they used to enjoy
- irritability
Four Ways You Can Alleviate Pain
Since you can't administer medication, you need to learn some alternate ways of alleviating pain for your patient. You can:
1. Help your patient laugh. Studies have proven that laughter increases a person's ability to tolerate pain. You could tell funny stories (or encourage the patient to share some funny stories), tell a good joke or two, or show the patient a few funny videos online.
2. Encourage your patient to do some deep breathing. Practicing deep breathing techniques can cleanse the body of harmful toxins, induce relaxation, relieve stress (which can decrease pain levels), and release tension. People have a natural tendency to hold their breath when in pain, so doing deep breathing will help your patient breathe correctly.
3. Bring in some things of beauty. Surround the patient with beautiful photos, flowers and plants, favorite objects, and items made of their favorite colors. These will be soothing and stimulating, helping the patient relax.
4. Add healing sounds and aromatherapy. Ask the patient if you can play some soothing music or light a scented candle. Open the windows and doors often to allow sweet, fresh air in the room. Diffuse some relaxing essential oils (like lavender and Roman chamomile) during the patient's bath or shower. Read from a calming book for a few minutes. All of these things will increase the patient's feelings of peace, happiness, and serenity, which will then lower their pain levels. These things can also distract the patient from their pain.
As you are aware of the signs of pain, you can help alleviate it, helping your patients be healthier and happier.
To learn more, contact a home care aide company like Devoted Guardians.
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