Many older adults suffer from pain that is so bothersome it interferes with their daily activities. Often the pain is chronic, sometimes persisting for many months or even years, and is associated with depression, isolation, and decreased quality of life. This program covers five techniques that can be helpful in taking the edge off of pain to improve life quality. While this presentation is designed for home health aides, nursing assistants, and personal care aides, any member of the care team (including families!) can help older adults learn these strategies to help control their pain.
Presenter Katherine Beissner is Professor of Physical Therapy, and Gerontology Institute Fellow at Ithaca College. Her primary clinical interest is the improvement of function in older adults. Recent research has focused on the impact of using pain self-management strategies on the function, activity level, and quality of life of older adults.