#16 - Quick Tip: Opiates! The Surprising Hospital Risk Many Dementia Caregivers Don't See Coming
Are your pain control choices in the hospital quietly increasing the risk of confusion/delirium—especially with opiates?
Pain isn’t always obvious, and when it’s missed or mismanaged, it can show up as agitation or confusion/delirium. At the same time, common pain control methods—particularly opiates—can worsen mental clarity, especially for older adults or those with underlying conditions. Understanding this balance can help you or your loved one avoid unnecessary complications during a hospital stay.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
1. How pain control and untreated pain both contribute to confusion/delirium, and how to recognize the difference
2. When opiates are helpful vs. harmful, and how to reduce risks while still managing pain effectively
3. Practical, safer alternatives to opiates for pain control you can discuss with the care team
Tune in to learn how to approach pain control in a way that protects both comfort and clarity during hospitalization.
Prescription for Admission is a podcast for Gen X and Millennial family caregivers navigating the healthcare system and medical system for loved ones living with conditions like diabetes, dementia, cancer, heart disease, and cognitive decline, helping them understand hospital care, navigate hospital stays, work effectively with doctors and specialists, organize medical records, connect with a case manager, seek a second opinion, become an effective medical advocate, and improve care coordination and discharge planning.
Prescription for Admission is a podcast for Gen X and Millennial family caregivers navigating the healthcare system and medical system for loved ones living with conditions like diabetes, dementia, cancer, heart disease, and cognitive decline, helping them understand hospital care, navigate hospital stays, work effectively with doctors and specialists, organize medical records, connect with a case manager, seek a second opinion, become an effective medical advocate, and improve care coordination and discharge planning.
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Prescription for Admission is a resource to help you navigate healthcare with confidence. Remember, you are your own best advocate.
