Understanding Delirium at the End of Life | Dr. Tom Mosher
10/04/23 • 20 min
Welcome to the "With You at EveryStep" podcast, where we address your healthcare questions and help you navigate life's challenges. In this insightful episode, Dr. Tom Mouser, the Chief Medical Officer for EveryStep, delves into the complex and often misunderstood topic of delirium at the end of life.
Delirium is a sudden and fluctuating change in cognition, distinct from dementia, and can be triggered by various factors. Dr. Mouser explains that delirium can manifest as a loss of focus or attention, leading to more severe symptoms such as hallucinations and paranoia as it progresses.
The causes of delirium are diverse, ranging from infections and medication interactions to changes in the environment and organ dysfunction. This podcast episode explores how delirium affects individuals and offers valuable insights for caregivers on how to approach and support loved ones experiencing delirium.
Dr. Mouser emphasizes the importance of not arguing or attempting to reason with delirious individuals, as this can exacerbate their distress. Instead, he advises listeners to understand that delirium is not the person's fault but a result of the underlying disease process. By working with the individual's altered perception and focusing on their comfort and safety, caregivers can provide the best possible care.
Furthermore, the episode clarifies that delirium is not a permanent condition like dementia; it can come on suddenly and fluctuate in severity. Recognizing the cyclic nature of delirium is crucial for identifying and addressing it effectively.
If you have questions about delirium or hospice care, visit EveryStep's website for more information and resources.
Thank you for joining us on this enlightening episode of "With You at EveryStep," where we strive to shed light on important healthcare topics and help you navigate life's challenges.
Founded in 1908, EveryStep is known for its ability to help patients, clients, and their families and to support community partners as they navigate challenges, address complicated care issues, and achieve high-quality outcomes.
EveryStep’s more than 30 programs and services support and educate new mothers; assist immigrants and refugees; provide developmental screenings and referrals for children; bring wellness services to communities; deliver in-home care to people who are ill, injured, or facing the end of life; and offer compassionate support to families during times of grief and loss.
To connect with us, please fill out the Find Care form.
Welcome to the "With You at EveryStep" podcast, where we address your healthcare questions and help you navigate life's challenges. In this insightful episode, Dr. Tom Mouser, the Chief Medical Officer for EveryStep, delves into the complex and often misunderstood topic of delirium at the end of life.
Delirium is a sudden and fluctuating change in cognition, distinct from dementia, and can be triggered by various factors. Dr. Mouser explains that delirium can manifest as a loss of focus or attention, leading to more severe symptoms such as hallucinations and paranoia as it progresses.
The causes of delirium are diverse, ranging from infections and medication interactions to changes in the environment and organ dysfunction. This podcast episode explores how delirium affects individuals and offers valuable insights for caregivers on how to approach and support loved ones experiencing delirium.
Dr. Mouser emphasizes the importance of not arguing or attempting to reason with delirious individuals, as this can exacerbate their distress. Instead, he advises listeners to understand that delirium is not the person's fault but a result of the underlying disease process. By working with the individual's altered perception and focusing on their comfort and safety, caregivers can provide the best possible care.
Furthermore, the episode clarifies that delirium is not a permanent condition like dementia; it can come on suddenly and fluctuate in severity. Recognizing the cyclic nature of delirium is crucial for identifying and addressing it effectively.
If you have questions about delirium or hospice care, visit EveryStep's website for more information and resources.
Thank you for joining us on this enlightening episode of "With You at EveryStep," where we strive to shed light on important healthcare topics and help you navigate life's challenges.
Founded in 1908, EveryStep is known for its ability to help patients, clients, and their families and to support community partners as they navigate challenges, address complicated care issues, and achieve high-quality outcomes.
EveryStep’s more than 30 programs and services support and educate new mothers; assist immigrants and refugees; provide developmental screenings and referrals for children; bring wellness services to communities; deliver in-home care to people who are ill, injured, or facing the end of life; and offer compassionate support to families during times of grief and loss.
To connect with us, please fill out the Find Care form.
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Founded in 1908, EveryStep is known for its ability to help patients, clients, and their families and to support community partners as they navigate challenges, address complicated care issues, and achieve high-quality outcomes.
EveryStep’s more than 30 programs and services support and educate new mothers; assist immigrants and refugees; provide developmental screenings and referrals for children; bring wellness services to communities; deliver in-home care to people who are ill, injured, or facing the end of life; and offer compassionate support to families during times of grief and loss.
To connect with us, please fill out the Find Care form.
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Founded in 1908, EveryStep is known for its ability to help patients, clients, and their families and to support community partners as they navigate challenges, address complicated care issues, and achieve high-quality outcomes.
EveryStep’s more than 30 programs and services support and educate new mothers; assist immigrants and refugees; provide developmental screenings and referrals for children; bring wellness services to communities; deliver in-home care to people who are ill, injured, or facing the end of life; and offer compassionate support to families during times of grief and loss.
To connect with us, please fill out the Find Care form.
With You at EveryStep - Understanding Delirium at the End of Life | Dr. Tom Mosher
Transcript
It's not uncommon for them to see things and hear things that we can't see and hear and begin to act on them. And probably the biggest mistake that I see made is people trying to argue with them or fight with them or convince them that they're behaving badly because ultimately all that does is fuel the the intensity of the situation, fuel the distrust and cause them to get more and more distressed.
So ultimately, when somebody is delirious, we first and foremost just recognize this is not t
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