Ask the person if they are in pain if they can verbalize.
If they are unable to verbally share, observe for possible non-verbal signs of pain, which may include:
Changes in their breathing, facial expressions, or body language.
Moaning, groaning or having difficulty settling.
(Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario, 2013, p. 96)
Refer to the Pain Assessment IN Advanced Dementia (PAINAD) tool [New tab PDF] to learn more about observing for possible non-verbal signs of pain/distress with a person living with dementia. |