Efficacy of pain treatment therapies for chronic pain among clients in assisted living facilities: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: More than 60% of residents in assisted living homes experience pain, a complex and subjective emotion. Here, we examine the effectiveness of pain management treatments for residents in assisted living facilities who suffer from chronic pain. Method: In this review, the PRISMA Statement was adhered to. Included were intervention studies, whether or not they were randomized. Retrospective studies, studies without a control group, and studies without an intervention were among the studies that were excluded. Subjects having chronic pain who were 60 years of age or older, of any gender, and permanently residing in an institutional environment, such as a assisted living facilities or residential care facility, were included in studies that matched the qualifying requirements. Result: Eight papers total—three non-randomized and five randomized controlled trials—were included in our systematic review. Acupuncture, massage, music therapy, and analgesics are among the interventions employed. Analgesics was the most effective intervention. Exercise had similar effects to social interventions on neuropsychiatric symptoms, pain, and medication intake in older adults with chronic pain; Epsom salt hot fermentation is more effective than regular salt; and acupressure is anticipated to be a beneficial and effective nursing intervention for the elderly with chronic pain. Conclusion: The most beneficial treatment outcome was obtained from the analgesic medication therapy. Alternative therapies without the use of drugs provide modest to significant therapeutic results.