-
Practice Tip Sheets for Careworkers Advance Care Planning Advanced Dementia Advanced Dementia Behavioural Changes After Death Choices Aged Care Access and Assessment Anxiety Cachexia Sarcopenia and Anorexia Case Conferences Complementary Therapies Constipation Continuity of Care Culturally Responsive Care Communication Distress at the End of Life Dysphagia Dyspnoea End of Life Care Pathways Eye Care Faecal Incontinence First Australians Communication Frailty Grief and Loss among Older People Families and Residents Grief and Loss among Staff Myths about Morphine Nutrition and Hydration Opioid Analgesics Oral Care Pain Management Palliative Care People with Intellectual Disability Communication People with Specific Needs Person Centred Care Psychosocial Assessment and Support Quality of Life Recognising Deterioration Respiratory Secretions Self Care Signs of Imminent Death Skin and Wound Care Spiritual Care Supporting Families Talking about Dying Talking within the Aged Care Team Next Steps for CareworkersPractice Tip Sheets for Nurses Advance Care Planning Advanced Dementia Advanced Dementia Behavioural Changes After Death Choices Aged Care Access and Assessment Anxiety Cachexia Sarcopenia and Anorexia Case Conferences Complementary Therapies Constipation Continuity of Care Culturally Responsive Care Communication Distress at the End of Life Dysphagia Dyspnoea End of Life Care Pathways Eye Care Faecal Incontinence First Australians Communication Frailty Grief and Loss among Older People and Families Grief and Loss among Staff Inclusive Communication for Older People with Disability Myths about Morphine Nutrition and Hydration Opioid Analgesics Oral Care Pain Management Palliative Care People with Specific Needs Person Centred Care Psychosocial Assessment and Support Quality of Life Recognising Deterioration Respiratory Secretions Self Care Signs of Imminent Death Skin and Wound Care Spiritual Care Supporting Families Talking about Dying Talking within the Aged Care Team Next Steps for NursesPalliAGED Introduction Modules Introduction Modules ManualTraining and Education palliAGED ProductsPractice Tip Sheets for CareworkersDeveloping the Workforce Supporting Change Service Solutions Download Resources Order Free ResourcesAdvance Care Planning Advanced Dementia Advanced Dementia Behavioural Changes After Death Choices Aged Care Access and Assessment Anxiety Cachexia Sarcopenia and Anorexia Case Conferences Complementary Therapies Constipation Continuity of Care Culturally Responsive Care Communication Distress at the End of Life Dysphagia Dyspnoea End of Life Care Pathways Eye Care Faecal Incontinence First Australians Communication Frailty Grief and Loss among Older People Families and Residents Grief and Loss among Staff Myths about Morphine Nutrition and Hydration Opioid Analgesics Oral Care Pain Management Palliative Care People with Intellectual Disability Communication People with Specific Needs Person Centred Care Psychosocial Assessment and Support Quality of Life Recognising Deterioration Respiratory Secretions Self Care Signs of Imminent Death Skin and Wound Care Spiritual Care Supporting Families Talking about Dying Talking within the Aged Care Team Next Steps for CareworkersPractice Tip Sheets for Nurses PalliAGED Introduction Modules Forms Resources for Families Aged Care Journeys in Palliative Care PalliAGEDnurse App Education Videos for Aged Care Workers
Tips for Careworkers:
Pain Management

What it is: Pain can be physical or emotional. Older people often have pain. This includes physical and spiritual pain.
Why it matters: Pain is a very common symptom in chronic progressive illness. People in need of palliative care often have more than one type of pain. Careworkers spend a lot of time with the older person and may notice signs of pain or changes in the level of pain experienced.
What I need to know: The expression of pain is different for everyone. It will be affected by the person’s experience, attitudes, and beliefs. Palliative care helps to manage pain and improve quality of life. The aim is to manage pain in line with the person’s wishes.
Pain that is not properly treated can cause:
- a person to eat and move less
- a person to avoid other people
- poor sleep
- depression
- family distress.
Unrelieved pain may affect cognitive function. It may contribute to an increase in challenging behaviours and delirium.
Nursing staff are responsible for assessing a person’s pain. Careworkers can play a part by reporting discomfort noted during care.
Do
Careworkers can look out for signs:
- report if a person has had any difficulties with walking, moving, normal activities
- report if a person says they are in pain
- monitor the person’s response to prescribed pain treatments
- notify a nurse/supervisor if comfort measures have been tried but are not effective
- report any discomfort.
Do
You can help relieve pain:
- by repositioning the person
- by reassuring the person, by word and by action, that they are safe
- with therapies e.g. gentle massage or application of warmth.
Do
Careful positioning of people who are immobile can minimise muscle pain and cramps.
My reflections:
What are some of the signs that a person is in pain?
What comfort measures could I try to reduce the pain felt by an older person?
Who would I speak to if an older person is crying out in pain during care?
For references and the latest version of all the Tip Sheets visit
Practice Tip sheets for careworkers
CareSearch is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
Updated July 2022
Page updated 21 July 2026