how to establish pain level

[Jumping Jack]

my mother has dementia and is bedbound, she has been experiencing severe back pain when moved from bed to wheelchair to lounge chair using a hoist. after 4 weeks on pain meds including 9 days in hospital, we are no closer to a diagnosis.
my question is, is there a reliable way for a dementia patient to communicate the level of pain they are experiencing? I have tried "on a scale of 1 to 10" and "how bad is the pain". Any advice would be most welcome, thank you.

 

[Grannie G]

Hello @Jumping Jack

I think you've had no replies because no one can really say.

I certainly wouldn`t expect a person with dementia to be able to give an accurate assessment of the level of pain.

I think observation is the only way, using body language and facial expression as a guide.

I would ask for the pain relief to be increased if necessary.