HOSPICE CARE

Signs a Non-Verbal Patient is in Pain in Hospice

During the end of life period, patients may not always be able to verbally communicate that they are in pain and need help. Health conditions, sedatives, and fatigue can all contribute to an inability to communicate verbally. Some patients may spend periods of time unconscious. There are also scenarios where the patient is simply non-verbal (for example because of neurodivergence), or shuts down their communication of pain for personal reasons.

It can be unsettling to not have verbal cues from your loved one, because you may not be sure when they need help. But there are some other non-verbal signs of pain that you can be on the lookout for.

Not all patients will display all of these signs. How pain is expressed non-verbally can also vary based on the type of pain and intensity of pain, as well as other factors.

Facial expressions that might signify pain could include a tense or furrowed brow, an expression of grimacing, gritting the teeth, squinting the eyes shut, or blinking a lot.

Some people in pain may cry, scream, moan, whimper, sigh, or make other vocalizations, even if they don’t use words. But not everyone does this.

There are numerous different ways that a person may show signs of pain with their body, depending on what their conditions and symptoms are. A simple example would be limping if pain is worse when trying to walk. Someone who cannot find a comfortable position to sit or lie down in might toss and turn. A lot of people curl up into a ball when they are in pain. You might also notice stiff or unnatural movements. These can result from consciously or unconsciously trying to protect a body part.

Sometimes people will do things in an attempt to offset pain or create a competing sensation, or even just feel like they are “doing” something about it. Examples include clenching fists, biting down hard, holding or clawing at the part of the body that is hurting, and so forth.

There can be behavioral signs of pain as well. Some people might go into fight mode out of frustration, and become impatient or aggressive.

Some patients may seem like they display few or no outward signs of pain. But if you notice they are more withdrawn than normal, or they are avoiding moving or engaging in activities, that could be a sign that they are in pain.

We Can Help Alleviate Pain During the End of Life

Inspire Hospice and Palliative Care can help to recognize and relieve pain during the end of life period, even when patients may not be able to verbally communicate their discomfort. We take time to get to know patients and the individual ways they show pain and distress.

Find out how we can help you or your loved one by giving us a call at (404) 921-3341 to schedule your consultation. We support patients during the end of life throughout the Atlanta metro region.