Supporting loved ones with chronic pain
A chronic disease is a long-term condition that doesn’t get better on its own and is not cured completely.
Caring for someone with a chronic disease is challenging and emotionally draining. This is because the progress of the disease, and the changes this may cause in the person you’re caring for create a difficult situation. Finding out all you can about their particular condition and how to manage it can help.
There are many tips and resources online that may help you look after a person with a chronic disease.
What are some common chronic diseases?
Some of the most common chronic diseases affecting older people are:
- asthma
- arthritis including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- cancer
- coronary heart disease
- dementia
- diabetes
- oral disease
- osteoporosis
- stroke
- mental health conditions (read more on the Head to Health website)
- chronic kidney disease (read more on the Kidney Australia website)
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (read more about the Australian Lung Foundation)
For more information, visit the healthdirect website.
Supporting loved ones with chronic pain
- Understand the nature of chronic pain.
Recognize that chronic pain differs from acute pain and can last beyond the expected recovery period. - Encourage movement and physical activity.
Gradually increasing activity levels can help improve pain and overall functioning. - Support a balanced routine.
Help establish a regular sleep schedule and ensure the person is exposed to daylight during the day. Encourage healthy habits such as maintaining a nutritious diet and avoiding substances like drugs or smoking. - Provide emotional support.
Understand that chronic pain can be unpredictable, and the person may have good and bad days. Help them seek professional help if needed. - Stay informed and advocate for proper medical care.
Educate yourself about the specific condition causing chronic pain, available treatments and strategies for managing pain.
Self-managing chronic diseases
As a carer, you play an important role in helping the person you care for do what they can to manage their own chronic disease. Self-management is about:
- learning what you can about the disease, its treatment and management
- understanding the medications prescribed
- building skills to help manage the fatigue, pain, frustration and isolation that people with chronic disease often get.
- communicating effectively with health professionals by answering questions accurately, asking your own questions and making sure you understand the information given to you. Remember that if you want to speak to health professionals about the chronic disease of the person you care for, you will need the person’s written consent. Ask the health professional about the best way to do this.
- improving nutrition and general health
- including activity and fitness sessions in daily routines
- practising relaxation techniques and problem-solving skills
- finding and accessing community support groups and other useful resources
- managing emotions that often seem to be part of everyday life.
The person you care for may also like to attend an information session designed for people living with chronic conditions. Contact your local GP for more information on courses in your area. You can also search for courses using the National Health Services Directory.
Best exercises for people living with chronic pain
- Practice breathing exercises.
- Get moving.
- Participate in meaningful activities.
- Engage in mindfulness.
- Use moderation and pacing.
- Practice good sleep habits.
- Eliminate unhelpful substances.
- Treat related conditions.
- Stay connected to your support system.
