The assessment and management of pain in people with dementia in care homes

Abstract

Pain is an unpleasant, subjective sensation and a universal human experience. However, under-recognition of pain in people with dementia is common; with verbal and behavioural expressions of pain misunderstood or not recognised and therefore untreated, to the detriment of the person with dementia. Care staff's success or otherwise in recognising, assessing and managing pain can have far-reaching consequences for the wellbeing of people with dementia. This article examines research on pain and pain in people with dementia and offers practical guidance on recognising, assessing and managing pain and on advocating for people with dementia who are no longer able to articulate their pain.