(Updated March 2026) As an ER physician, I care for at least one person living with dementia almost every shift I work. The families and caregivers who show up with them are rarely prepared — and it’s not their fault. Nobody taught them what to expect. In my experience, almost every ER visit for a […]
Why People Living with Dementia Come to the ER Read More »
I will discuss 3 of the most common classes of medications used in response to dementia related behaviors. Be aware there are additional classes of medications I am not going to cover. Before we get started, there are some things I want to make clear. 1 – This is not medical advice for you or
Medications for dementia related “behaviors” – What you need to know. Read More »
I often hear caregivers saying their persons’ dementia worsened after anesthesia. It is a common topic discussed inside support groups. Just like in text messages, online posts can leave a lot out. I have found myself wondering if the caregiver holds the belief that it was the anesthesia alone that made their person’s dementia worse.
ER physician’s opinion: How to think about anesthesia and dementia. Read More »
The answer is no. Absolutely not. Let’s talk about the concept of “hospital transfers.” I want to give you some things to think about and consider for your person. First, what does hospital transfer mean? When I use this term I am referring to your person physically leaving where they live and being brought to
Person Living with Dementia Values Quality of Life? Do they always need the hospital? Read More »
Updated March 2026 Wondering when the right time is to move a person living with dementia into a care facility is one of the most common questions I hear — both in my ER and from caregivers in my community. The honest answer is: there is no single “right” time. But there are signs to
Is it Time to Move Your Person Living with Dementia? Read More »
If you missed last week’s post with tips 1-5 click here to get caught up. Tip #6 – Tell us your person has dementia. I know this may seem unnecessary. You might be thinking, but it’s in the record. You might be right. It could be listed there. It should be listed there. If your
Going to the ER with Someone Living with Dementia? – 10 Tips for less stress, part 2 Read More »
Tip #1 – Have a goal or reason for coming to the ER When you come to the ER please tell us the reason you are there. It is that simple. We need to understand the goal you have in mind for coming to see us. This applies to you yourself and when you bring
If this is your situation, please know you are not alone. You are amongst many other caregivers. By the time people are diagnosed with the disease that is causing their dementia they often are unable to declare their wishes. Even when the disease is recognized and diagnosed, people can be hesitant to seek out the
Person with dementia has no written wishes? Read More »
It is no secret that caregivers are suffering from burnout. I want you to know, there is nothing wrong with you. Healthcare professionals like me are also facing burnout at alarming rates. Personally, I don’t like the term burnout. It implies that there is something wrong with us, that we are the problem. It used
A “Burnout” Solution for Dementia Family Caregivers Read More »
I want to make you aware of common medication related issues I see often in the ER. Hopefully you can avoid these scenarios in your person. If you have your person’s medication list handy, take a look at it while you read this. Write down any questions you might want to ask their care team.
People with Dementia in the ER Because of Medications Read More »
