#16 - Quick Tip: Opiates! The Surprising Hospital Risk Many Dementia Caregivers Don't See Coming

#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. Visit my website: ⁠⁠www.drmoniquenugent.com⁠⁠ [https://drmoniquenugent.com/] Shop & Resources: The Shop: Get the Book and other Advocacy Resources [https://drmoniquenugent.com/shop/] Hospital Smart Packages: Choose the perfect Hospital Smart Package for yourself [https://mnugent.kartra.com/page/vzI1] Follow us on socials for daily advocacy tips: ⁠⁠Instagram/@the_happiest_hospitalist⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/the_happiest_hospitalist/] ⁠⁠Facebook/DrMoniqueNugent⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/drmoniquenugent/] ⁠⁠LinkedIn/DrMoniqueNugentMDMPH⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquenugent-mdmph/] ⁠⁠YouTube/@DrMoniqueNugent⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.MoniqueS.Nugent] ⁠⁠TikTok/@drmoniquenugent⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@drmoniquenugent] Support the Show If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Your support helps us reach more people who need a map through the hospital maze. Prescription for Admission is a resource to help you navigate healthcare with confidence. Remember, you are your own best advocate.

Episode 51: How To Navigate Dementia Hospitalization Without Triggering Delirium

Are you sure hospitalization is the safest choice for someone with dementia—or could it actually increase their risk of delirium? When you're caring for someone with dementia, it’s natural to seek help when something feels wrong. But many caregivers don’t realize that hospitalization itself can trigger serious complications like delirium, deconditioning, and cognitive decline—especially when the goal was simply quick relief. In this episode, you’ll learn how to think critically about hospitalization decisions, ask the right questions, and advocate for better care options that protect your loved one’s brain health. Here’s what you’ll gain: 1. How hospitalization can unintentionally trigger delirium in patients with dementia 2. The key questions to ask before agreeing to a hospital admission 3. Practical alternatives to hospitalization that may better support recovery at home Listen now to make more confident, informed decisions about dementia care, hospitalization, and preventing delirium. 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. Visit my website: ⁠⁠www.drmoniquenugent.com⁠⁠ [https://drmoniquenugent.com/] Shop & Resources: The Shop: Get the Book and other Advocacy Resources [https://drmoniquenugent.com/shop/] Hospital Smart Packages: Choose the perfect Hospital Smart Package for yourself [https://mnugent.kartra.com/page/vzI1] Follow us on socials for daily advocacy tips: ⁠⁠Instagram/@the_happiest_hospitalist⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/the_happiest_hospitalist/] ⁠⁠Facebook/DrMoniqueNugent⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/drmoniquenugent/] ⁠⁠LinkedIn/DrMoniqueNugentMDMPH⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquenugent-mdmph/] ⁠⁠YouTube/@DrMoniqueNugent⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.MoniqueS.Nugent] ⁠⁠TikTok/@drmoniquenugent⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@drmoniquenugent] Support the Show If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Your support helps us reach more people who need a map through the hospital maze. Prescription for Admission is a resource to help you navigate healthcare with confidence. Remember, you are your own best advocate.

#15 - Quick Tip: How To Improve Dementia Care By Fixing Circadian Rhythm & Preventing Hospital Delirium

Are you unknowingly increasing your loved one’s risk of confusion and hospital delirium during a hospital stay? When it comes to dementia care, the hospital environment can quietly disrupt one of the brain’s most important systems: the circadian rhythm. Without natural light, consistent routines, and clear day-night cues, patients—especially those with dementia—are far more vulnerable to confusion, agitation, and delirium. In this episode, you’ll learn: 1. How disrupted circadian rhythm directly contribute to hospital delirium in dementia patients 2. Simple, practical ways to strengthen dementia care routines during hospitalization 3. What to ask your medical team to protect sleep, reduce confusion, and improve recovery Tune in now to learn how small changes in circadian rhythm support can make a big difference in preventing hospital delirium and improving dementia care outcomes. 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. Visit my website: ⁠⁠www.drmoniquenugent.com⁠⁠ [https://drmoniquenugent.com/] Shop & Resources: The Shop: Get the Book and other Advocacy Resources [https://drmoniquenugent.com/shop/] Hospital Smart Packages: Choose the perfect Hospital Smart Package for yourself [https://mnugent.kartra.com/page/vzI1] Follow us on socials for daily advocacy tips: ⁠⁠Instagram/@the_happiest_hospitalist⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/the_happiest_hospitalist/] ⁠⁠Facebook/DrMoniqueNugent⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/drmoniquenugent/] ⁠⁠LinkedIn/DrMoniqueNugentMDMPH⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquenugent-mdmph/] ⁠⁠YouTube/@DrMoniqueNugent⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.MoniqueS.Nugent] ⁠⁠TikTok/@drmoniquenugent⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@drmoniquenugent] Support the Show If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Your support helps us reach more people who need a map through the hospital maze. Prescription for Admission is a resource to help you navigate healthcare with confidence. Remember, you are your own best advocate.

#14 - Quick Tip: Prevent a Summertime Hospital Stay with these 4 tips! (What Every Caregiver Needs to Know)

Are your summer plans quietly increasing the risk of a hospital stay for your loved one? Summer brings travel, celebrations, and relaxed routines—but for every caregiver, it also introduces hidden risks that can quickly turn into an unexpected hospital stay. From missed medications to dehydration and safety oversights, small decisions can have big consequences. In this quick tip episode, you’ll learn how to stay ahead with practical summer safety strategies designed specifically for caregivers supporting loved ones. Here’s what you’ll walk away with: 1. How to prevent a hospital stay by planning medications and medical care before travel 2. The most common summer safety mistakes caregivers make with diet, hydration, and routines 3. Simple ways to protect your loved one from injuries, confusion, and avoidable complications Tune in now to protect your loved one and enjoy a safer, stress-free summer without the disruption of a hospital stay. 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. Visit my website: ⁠⁠www.drmoniquenugent.com⁠⁠ [https://drmoniquenugent.com/] Shop & Resources: The Shop: Get the Book and other Advocacy Resources [https://drmoniquenugent.com/shop/] Hospital Smart Packages: Choose the perfect Hospital Smart Package for yourself [https://mnugent.kartra.com/page/vzI1] Follow us on socials for daily advocacy tips: ⁠⁠Instagram/@the_happiest_hospitalist⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/the_happiest_hospitalist/] ⁠⁠Facebook/DrMoniqueNugent⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/drmoniquenugent/] ⁠⁠LinkedIn/DrMoniqueNugentMDMPH⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquenugent-mdmph/] ⁠⁠YouTube/@DrMoniqueNugent⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.MoniqueS.Nugent] ⁠⁠TikTok/@drmoniquenugent⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@drmoniquenugent] Support the Show If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Your support helps us reach more people who need a map through the hospital maze. Prescription for Admission is a resource to help you navigate healthcare with confidence. Remember, you are your own best advocate.

Episode 48: A Dietitian's Tips For How Caregivers Can Be Realistic about Diet to Keep Mom & Dad Eating Well At Home

You’ll learn how to simplify complex diet plans, adapt meals for your household, and support your loved one without burnout or frustration. What you’ll walk away with: 1. How to transition a therapeutic diet from hospital rules to real-life routines 2. Practical strategies to build sustainability into everyday meals 3. A realistic framework for making diet changes that actually stick, using realism Tune in now to learn how to make nutrition changes that truly work—for you and your loved one. Connect with Nicholas Kelly Website: https://nicholaskellyrd.com/ 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. Visit my website: ⁠⁠www.drmoniquenugent.com⁠⁠ [https://drmoniquenugent.com/] Shop & Resources: The Shop: Get the Book and other Advocacy Resources [https://drmoniquenugent.com/shop/] Hospital Smart Packages: Choose the perfect Hospital Smart Package for yourself [https://mnugent.kartra.com/page/vzI1] Follow us on socials for daily advocacy tips: ⁠⁠Instagram/@the_happiest_hospitalist⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/the_happiest_hospitalist/] ⁠⁠Facebook/DrMoniqueNugent⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/drmoniquenugent/] ⁠⁠LinkedIn/DrMoniqueNugentMDMPH⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquenugent-mdmph/] ⁠⁠YouTube/@DrMoniqueNugent⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.MoniqueS.Nugent] ⁠⁠TikTok/@drmoniquenugent⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@drmoniquenugent] Support the Show If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Your support helps us reach more people who need a map through the hospital maze. Prescription for Admission is a resource to help you navigate healthcare with confidence. Remember, you are your own best advocate.