Spending Time with a Loved One in Chronic Pain

Do you have a friend or family member who suffers from chronic pain? Do you enjoy spending time with him or her, but aren't sure what to do when you spend time together? This article provides some suggestions for activities you can do with an individual who experiences chronic pain. Be aware, however, that each individual's limitations may be different and that all the activities mentioned may not work for every person in chronic pain.

Go to the mall: Going to a mall or a department store your friend or family member enjoys is a great activity for someone in chronic pain. Individuals in chronic pain may or may not be able to get out and go to the mall or to stores on their own, depending on their limitations, so it is a great activity for you and your loved one to bond over. Take your loved one to stores he or she wants or needs to go to; you can always do your own shopping on a different day.

Most malls have wheelchairs available for people who need them. Simply go to the curtsey counter, customer service, or information desk and ask for one. Department stores like Target or Wal-Mart oftentimes have scooters available for people who need them as well. You will likely need to go to the customer service counter and ask for the key to the scooter in order to use it.

Coffee or tea: Taking your family member of friend to his or her favorite coffee or tea shop for a drink will give you time to talk about your lives. Your loved one will appreciate the time you took to sit and chat with him or her.

Dinner: Along the same lines, your loved one may enjoy a meal out. As I mentioned earlier, individuals in chronic pain may not be able to get out of the house to enjoy meals out very often. If this is the case, a meal out will be a great treat for your loved one.

Movie, play, or concert: Is there a movie your loved one wants to see? If so, take him or her to see it. Keep an eye out for movies, plays, and/or musical concerts you think your friend or family member would enjoy and ask him or her if he or she would like to see it with you. Comedies may even provide a temporary reduction in pain.