Disease state management: Pain management in older people - in aged care facilities and in the community

Older people are much more likely to suffer pain than younger people. Pharmacists have an important role as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team in providing the prescriber with actual medication use, effectiveness, adverse effects and recommendations, including nonpharmacological interventions for older people in the community and in aged care facilities. This article will examine some options for assessment and safe pain management in this high-risk population.