When we do use medications for pain control, it is very important that we individualize therapy. Pain is a very individual and personal experience, and no two residents will have the same pain experience. When a pain medication is selected, we schedule its administration so that pain is prevented, not just treated after your loved one is experiencing discomfort. We start at a low dose, then slowly increase the dose, as needed, until pain control is achieved. We "start low and go slow" because, although we want to provide the best possible pain control, we don't want to give more medication than is needed. This approach also gives us a good opportunity to check for side effects that may develop from use of a medication. And finally, we record our findings and reevaluate each resident on a continuing basis to make sure there is appropriate relief without adverse events.

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