What do we mean by delirium?
Also called the acute confusional state, delirium is a medical condition that results in confusion and other disruptions in thinking and behavior,
including changes in perception, attention, mood and activity level.
Delirium or Dementia - I have a lot of trouble seeing the difference?
Last night it was hours of demanding to get up and out of bed to help a non-existent person in the room
I think I might discuss medication to help her sleep with her doctor. If she's sleeping well, perhaps she won't awake with the delusions or hallucinations.
In my mother's case, she is dying and this is most likely end stage. She is mostly in distress due to her delirium and at the point that the distress out weighs any moments of lucidity I believe we will opt for sedation. I plan to wait til the very last moment I can bear. I hope its not to selfish. I don't want her to have to be in fear when she has and is already suffering for so long.
God Bless you. It's very difficult but love is always the best answer.
You might start here, and especially focus on the Q & A posts that are similar to yours:
https://www.agingcare.com/search.aspx?searchterm=delirium
Dementia is also a confused state that caused mental changes that can come and go as a result of impaired circulation in the brain. Both of these conditions manifest in behavioral changes, so that is why it is hard to tell the difference. We always need to rule out delirium before we diagnose dementia. This is where good medical care comes i, so that the right treatment is given at the right time..The idea about distraction is a good one once we have checked out and treated the delirium. safety is a first concern to keep the loved one from falling out of bed.You want to hear what they are saying, but you need to tell them that you do not see anyone. Try to speak in a calm reassuring voice so that the person does not feel judged or frightened.
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