Clear Minds: Raising Delirium Awareness in Older Adults
By Yasmin Khalili, HELP Nurse
Originally published in The Hamilton Spectator | Read full article
Delirium is a sudden and serious change in brain function that causes confusion, altered thinking, and reduced awareness of one’s surroundings. It can happen quickly—often within hours or days—and is especially common among older adults during hospital stays.
In her insightful article, “Clear Minds: Raising Delirium Awareness in Older Adults,” Yasmin Khalili, a nurse with the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP), shines a light on this underrecognized condition and how families, caregivers, and healthcare teams can work together to prevent and manage it.
Khalili explains the early signs of delirium, the risks it poses, and practical strategies to reduce its impact. These include:
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Keeping routines familiar and reassuring
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Encouraging hydration, mobility, and use of glasses or hearing aids
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Reducing unnecessary medications
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Ensuring proper sleep and minimizing environmental stressors
Delirium is not a normal part of aging—and it is often reversible when recognized early. This article is a must-read for anyone caring for or working with older adults.
Read the full article here:
Clear Minds on PressReader
