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	For Caregivers
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		Caregiver Tips
		Face Pain Tip Sheet

	Making a Difference Helpless is how many friends, spouses, and other caregivers of people with facial pain often describe themselves. Although you may feel helpless, you have the ability to make a difference in the life of someone who is suffering. To help someone learn to cope with the pain, it is important for you to understand that you won’t be able to take the pain away and that it is not your fault. Obtaining information about the disorder and its treatment for the person with pain is very helpful because facial pain makes it difficult for people to advocate for themselves. Caregivers can also help make appointments with an appropriate health care provider. People with pain often need to be reminded of their appointments. Learning about other types of medications or treatments and passing this information on to the individual with facial pain is another proactive thing that can be done by the caregiver. Addressing Concerns Giving care for a chronic facial pain patient can increase stress in the family. What may be important to you may not seem very important to the person who has pain. Communication may break down, and overall family functioning can diminish as family roles begin to change. The person with facial pain may send mixed or unclear messages. Sometimes they want help, and at other times they may want to be alone. Addressing the concerns of the family and the willingness to adapt to changes in family dynamics can go a long way toward identifying and resolving potential problems. Medications can make an individual both forgetful and confused. Try to post reminder notes when possible. A daily medication container can be invaluable, especially those which have compartments for each day. With anticonvulsants it is important to keep the medication at a therapeutic level to be effective against the pain. Setting a timer might be helpful. Mental Health Chronic pain, as well as the medications that are prescribed for it, can cause changes in mood and cognitive abilities. These issues may be difficult for the caregiver and the person having pain to discuss. When chronic pain is present some neurotransmitters can be out of balance, and when they are out of balance the pain is worse. Through medical care, this cycle can be broken. Antidepressants are designed to help the brain’s signals achieve balance. The patient may have to try several different medications before he or she finds one that works the best. The right balance can improve mood and may reduce pain. Helping Diminish the Pain Encouraging the individual with facial pain to become involved in something they care about can make a positive difference in how he or she copes with the pain. When people with pain have pleasant distractions, such as a hobby, the brain becomes occupied and the pain seems to diminish. Volunteering to help others can also be a good diversion. One of the ways the patient can help is through a non-profit organization, such as TNA. At first, volunteering may seem like a daunting task, but it can actually be beneficial to an individual with chronic facial pain. Respite To relieve stress and prevent burnout, caregivers need time off from their responsibilities. Caregivers’ own needs must be met before they can nurture, reassure, and support a person with facial pain. Essential for all caregivers, respite is planned time that enlists the assistance of another individual who will care for the person who has facial pain. The helper may come to the home of the patient, or the patient may benefit from a change of scenery, going to the temporary caregiver’s home. Support and Information Attending a TNA Support Group can provide much needed information and support. Learning that others have experienced similar issues can help a person feel like part of a community instead of feeling alienated. Caregivers also attend the meetings and are willing to share and exchange information. If a TNA Support Group is not available in your area you can talk to other patients or caregivers via telephone or E-mail. A support system can be established with just a few people. For more information contact the TNA Patient Support Director at 1.800.929.3608 or 352.331.7022, email patientinfo@tna-support.org, or visit the TNA website at www.endthepain.org. Other Resources Strength For Caring. Strength for Caring is an online resource and community for family caregivers to help them take care of their loved ones and themselves. The site provides information about a variety of health conditions including those associated with pain as well as housing, finances and insurance. It includes a caregiver manual, caregiver community and practical care tips.