Delirium after an operation

You might become confused after your operation. This is called delirium and it often happens to older people and people living with dementia. It is temporary and will get better as you recover from your operation. There are things that you can do to reduce the risk of delirium or make it last for a shorter time. 

It is very important to consider the following information:

• Share this information with your family/friends. If you do become confused following your operation this can be quite distressing for them if they do not know what is happening. 

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• Choose a family member or friend to be the main point of contact for the ward. Explain to the ward that you need this person to support you in hospital. Research has shown that having a familiar face with you will improve your confusion. 

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• Make sure you keep eating and drinking (and start as soon as you are allowed after your operation). Ask a carer or family member to bring in your favourite food and drink.

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• Consider bringing in a clock that you can keep at your bedside. A small alarm clock would be useful to ensure you are aware of the time and keep you orientated.

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• As soon as the staff say it is ok, it’s important to start moving. Try to do the same as you do at home, like getting up and going to the toilet, walking around and so on. This will help you get better more quickly.

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• Keeping yourself mentally active is important, bring in activities that you may like to do at home and that can stimulate your brain. You can listen to music, or talking books, bring in books and ask people to come and visit.

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• If you are prescribed analgesia (pain relief), please take it! Don’t try to put up with pain as in some cases, this can make a person’s confusion worse.

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If you have any worries, feel unsettled or are hearing or seeing things that other people are not,  please talk to the doctors or the nurses who are caring for you on the ward.

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You can use the following form to share things with ward staff: 

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Information for Ward Staff

Please present this form to the staff on your ward when you are admitted.

My preferred name: …………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………

My nominated support person is: …………………………………………………………………………….……………………………

Their contact number is: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

I have brought in a clock with me:  Yes □   No □

I have brought in some activities with me:  Yes □   No □

If I become delirious, please know this important information about me:

The following routines are important to me (for example morning routines; breakfast; bed time): ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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These things worry or upset me: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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When I am in pain, I prefer to (for example, walk around; stay still; take pain killers regularly, take hot drinks etc.):  ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………