New public awareness campaign
from NHPCO’s Caring Connections dispels myths about pain and empowers consumers
(Alexandria,
Va) – “Pain is a natural part of aging or illness and people have to live with
it” – is a common myth that leaves millions of people in pain every day. There
is almost always a reason why a person is experiencing pain and in most cases
physical pain can be managed. Learning the truth about pain and what can be
done to manage pain is the focus of a new campaign, LIVE—Without
Pain.LIVE—Without Pain was developed in partnership between the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s Caring Connections and Purdue Pharma L.P. The campaign will empower patients and family caregivers to advocate for expert pain relief in all care settings through education and how to resources.
“When someone is in pain, it can be impossible to think about anything else,” said J. Donald Schumacher, NHPCO president and CEO. “Pain can make it difficult for you to work, sleep, maintain relationships with friends and loved ones and participate in simple activities.”
Physical pain is only one aspect of suffering. Emotional and psychological suffering is also an important factor that must be considered.Hospice and palliative care professionals, experts in helping patients and families cope with pain, know that pain can take away peace of mind, comfort, enjoyment, and most of all hope.
“Good pain management improves quality of life and in most cases it is possible to manage pain and that’s why we want to increase public awareness about the issue,” explained Schumacher. Some advice from professionals who help patients and family caregivers deal with pain:
- In
order for the doctor or other healthcare provider to determine the best
way to control pain, they rely on what patients and family caregivers tell
them, so communication is important.
- Pain
in older adults, just like pain in any other age group, is the body’s way
of saying that something needs attention. Pain is a signal that it is time
to talk with a doctor or other caregiver and seek help.
- Pain
associated with a life-limiting illness or at the end of life requires
special attention and can best be treated by a palliative care or hospice
provider.
LIVE—Without Pain resources are available online at CaringInfo.org/pain. You can learn about different kinds of pain, caring for someone in pain, talking with your physician, managing medications and more. Free brochures that may be downloaded include: Managing Your Pain, Using Narcotics Safely, and When Your Child is in Pain. Local hospice and palliative care providers also serve as important community resources to help people who are struggling with pain related to serious and advanced illness.
