"Pain relief for the elderly"

Writing this on behalf of my father, Who has had chronic back pain, due to a car accident many years ago. He has had steriod injections in his back for many years which have controlled his pain to an acceptable level. On attending the pain clinic, he was declined further injections and was offered Gabapenitn. Which he is now refusing to take due to the side effects, such as confusion, diahorreah, not being able to drive, drowsiness etc. Hes independent and lives alone If he was to take the medication given how long would he remain so. would he need social services intervention, surly this would not be cost effective. So this poor man has severe pain and is destined to struggle on. Think you should look at the whole patient not just 'oh he's got back ache '!!