PainChek Expanded Pain Assessment in Memory Care
The technology is rolling out to 23 U.S. communities to assist staff in monitoring pain for residents with dementia.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
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PainChek has scaled its commercial agreement with Sabra Health Care to include 23 care communities across the United States. This expansion introduces digital pain assessment tools to assist in memory care, with 808 total licences now contracted across five operators.
Why it matters
Managing pain in patients with dementia is notoriously difficult, as residents may struggle to communicate their discomfort. This expansion aims to lower administrative barriers and help staff better identify pain levels in memory care settings.
The rollout utilizes 808 contracted licences across five operators, covering a subset of a potential 20,000-licence deployment within the Sabra Health Care portfolio. The project is currently focused on achieving initial implementation targets across 23 communities.
The players
PainChek
A developer of digital health technology focused on automated pain assessment for patients with cognitive impairment.
Sabra Health Care
A real estate investment trust that owns and manages a portfolio of skilled nursing and senior housing facilities.
The details
The PainChek platform uses digital technology to assist staff in recognizing and assessing pain in individuals who may be unable to verbally report it. By reducing contractual barriers, Sabra Health Care is integrating these tools directly into its senior housing portfolio to streamline resident care. Staff members receive training on the system to ensure consistent monitoring protocols are applied to residents throughout the memory care units.
Timeline
April 2026: PainChek signed a master services agreement with Sabra Health Care.
31 December 2026: Target date for implementation, training, and licence activation at the 23 communities.
Health Landscape
The integration of digital assessment tools represents a shift toward objective, technology-driven pain management in geriatric care. This rollout reflects a broader trend of incorporating standardized digital diagnostics to complement traditional observation in dementia care environments.
For families with loved ones in memory care, this technology may provide a more consistent way to track and address underlying pain symptoms. If your family member is in a facility, it is worth discussing with their care team what pain assessment protocols are currently in use.
The takeaway
Effective pain management is a critical component of maintaining quality of life for individuals living with dementia. Families should ask facility administrators about the specific tools and training staff utilize to identify and mitigate physical discomfort in residents who cannot communicate pain.
What happens next
PainChek is scheduled to complete implementation and staff training at the 23 identified communities by 31 December 2026.
Further reading
Find more information on the latest care developments in our Alzheimer’s section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Small Caps.
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