Pain management of older people in care homes: a pilot study

This article presents the findings of a pilot study conducted within six care homes within a district of the UK. This is stage one of a programme of funded research designed to explore issues surrounding pain and older people living in care homes. The aim of the study was to determine the residents' perceptions of pain and identify their preferred pain management strategies. Staff working in the care homes were interviewed to identify their level of pain knowledge, and the problems perceived by them, as preventing their role in the management of pain within this group. A number of important issues were identified as barriers to reporting pain among the residents, along with important concerns for staff about communication and education. A serendipitous finding demonstrated some age-related differences in perceptions of pain. Recommendations are made for further research in this area.