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| ©Maria Kaloudi |
Pain in older adults is an epidemic. In fact, research has shown that half of
adults who live independently and three-fourths who live in a care facility
suffer from persistent pain. If that wasn’t enough, 80% of Americans age 65 and
over have one chronic disease and 30% have
three or more chronic diseases.
And, as the population grows, so will the number of people who need care and
support to live comfortably.
By 2010…
- One out of three American workers will be over 50 years old
- Baby Boomers will begin to join the ranks of older Americans
- The number of Americans age 65 or over will reach 40 million
By 2030…
- Baby Boomers will be between the ages of 66 and 84, resulting in the
greatest burden yet seen on Social Security and health care
- The number of Americans 65 or over will reach nearly 72 million
- One out of five people will be 65 or over
The time to put an end to this suffering is now. If you are an older
adult, or a caregiver looking after an older adult, please consult the numerous
articles, tips and resources the NPF has collected below. The pieces are divided
into five sections:
- Tips and Information
- Professional Resources
- Toolkit
- Information for the Homebound
- Elder Care (specifically for caregivers)
Within these sections, you will find information about treatment and care
options, communication advice, coping strategies, legal and medical assistance
and much more.
As always, we are very interested in your feedback and comments! Please let us
know if there is anything else you would like to see discussed on this area of
the NPF site by e-mailing your suggestions to
npf@nationalpainfoundation.org
.
Tips and Information
Common Pain
Causes Among Older Adults
Pain in Older Adults
by Debra K. Weiner, MD
Pain and Age –
The Older Adult by Elisa Martinez
Resources for Older Adults
Professional Resources
How to Find an Elder Care Attorney
Tips to Get the Most from Doc’s Visit
What to Bring to Doc’s Office
Toolkit
Sample Advance Care Plan
List of Important Life Docs
Medication Journal
Home Safety Checklist
Information for the Homebound
Choosing and Arranging In-Home Health Care
Medicare and Home Care
Resources for the Homebound
Elder Care
Top Tips for Caregivers
25 Tips on Communicating with Aging Parents
25 Financial, Legal and Lifestyle Questions to Ask Your Aging Parents
Caregiver Dos and Don’ts at the Doc’s Office
When a Loved One Resists Care
Helping Loved Ones Get the Medicine They Need
Opening Your Home to a Loved One
Strategies to Manage Long-Distance Care
Taking Steps to Become Your Parent’s Medical Advocate
Palliative Care and Hospice: A Primer
Resources and Support
