Caring for a person with chronic pain can be emotionally and physically taxing for the caregiver. It is important that friends and family are ready and willing to support the patient with chronic pain. While a home nurse can offer a great deal of support and help for a patient with pain, caring for someone with pain, or living with chronic pain is truly a team effort. Family, friends and loved ones are an important part of the equation. Dealing with chronic pain is not easy for the patient of family of those afflicted, but there are ways to make the process smoother.

Support the Patient

The number one piece of advice given to caregivers of people with chronic pain is to offer support and understanding. While an in-home nurse can offer daily care and help with physical problems, family members and loved ones are the individuals who traditionally deal with the emotional fallout of living with chronic pain. For those suffering with chronic pain, it is important to reach out to family for support and understanding. Discuss the pain, look for signs and symptoms and offer tactics and strategies to better deal with the pain and the emotional fallout of it.

Education and Understanding

While supporting a patient with chronic pain and listening to what they have to say, it is also important for a caregiver to educate themselves on chronic pain and to become an advocate for the patient. Often times chronic pain, specifically pain that is not associated with a visible injury, is overlooked or downplayed by doctors and those around the patient. Caregivers should educate themselves on all forms of pain management, including traditional and non-traditional methods. Gaining a solid understanding of chronic pain and the possible pain management tactics will make it easier for a caregiver to truly help and support the patient in question. When at the doctor’s remember to ask questions and take notes. Taking notes can help the patient and the caregiver absorb the information. A doctors office can be an overwhelming place, and information can be lost upon leaving. Notes help remind the patient of what was spoken about, and what options are available for management.

Speaking with Insurance Providers and Doctors

Those dealing with chronic pain may not be able to deal with their own insurance claims. Chronic pain takes a great deal out of a person, both physically and emotionally, and for some with chronic pain dealing with insurance providers and claims, as well as doctors appointments can be incredible taxing. To help a person dealing with chronic pain offer to deal with insurance claims for them, as well as accompany them to doctors appointments. A caregiver who chooses to deal with insurance claims for a chronic pain suffer must be related to the person in question and have written or spoken permission to deal with the insurance company. Regularly check in with the chronic pain patient to see what needs to be done on the insurance end, including dealing with claims for a home health aide.