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Objectives: The project aimed to evaluate a pain management program (PMP) using non-pharmacological approaches at five residential aged care facilities (RACFs) in Australia. Methods: The PMP involved a physiotherapist implementing four sessions per week of treatments (massage therapy, TENS, exercises and stretching, or combinations of these). Ninety-five participants were recruited (average age, 83 years; SD = 7.6; 38% men, 62% women; 56% with dementia). Sessions lasted approximately 10 minutes, and residents' levels of pain were recorded using a 5-point scale before and after each treatment. The intervention period for each participant was the first consecutive 8 weeks in which they received the intervention. Results: Data analyses showed: (1) a small but statistically significant decrease in the number of as required (PRN) medications; and (2) a decrease in average pain ratings from pre-session to post-session from 2.4 (some to moderate pain) to 1.1 (a little pain). Notably, residents with dementia received lower pain ratings than those without. Conclusions: Non-pharmacological approaches to pain in residential care settings are effective, especially when two or more are combined. Staff working in residential care settings should rely on best practice to recognise pain in residents with dementia. Clinical Implications: Non-pharmacological interventions may be effective in reducing pain and reliance on PRN medications in residential care settings, especially when two or more are used. Staff working in residential aged care settings should be provided with training in pain assessment and management, with particular attention to residents with dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To implement an educational programme for nursing staff on recognising, reporting and managing resident‐to‐resident elder mistreatment in aged care facilities. Background: The phenomenon of a growing ageing population increases the demand of optimum care for older people living in aged care facilities. Caring for older people is complex, but should include the management of aggressive interaction between them. Nursing staff play a vital role in identifying and managing those behaviours. However, many nurses may not recognise these aggressive interactions as abuse. Therefore, this study aims to manage and reduce this abuse through an educational programme. Design: Cluster randomised trial registered on the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN 12617001618347). Methods: This trial was undertaken in an aged care facility located in Melbourne, Australia and was funded in January 2017. Wards were randomly allocated (as the intervention and control group) by using sealed opaque envelopes. Nursing staff, who met eligibility, were consecutively recruited and supplied their informed consent. Nurses from the intervention group received an educational programme, while nurses from the control group continued with the usual standard care. Main outcomes included recognising, managing and reporting the abuse before and after the intervention and will be evaluated on an intention‐to‐treat analysis. Discussion: It is vital to manage and reduce resident‐to‐resident elder mistreatment. This educational programme may assist nursing staff to protect vulnerable older people experiencing this abuse and may improve comprehensive evidence‐based care for older people residing in aged care facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]