How to help if you are with a delirious person at home 

 

First Steps

 

Make sure the doctor is aware and that treatment for any underlying condition has been started.

 

Check to make sure the house is safe for the person:

• Will the person try to leave? 

• Is there anything the person might trip over? 

• Is there anything in the kitchen which might be a hazard?

• Is the person safe to be left alone? (if not discuss options with the person’s doctor)

 

What can you do?

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• Try to spend as much time as you can with the person. It can be hard when they are confused, but evidence shows that the presence of a family or friends will reduce the duration of the delirium. 

• Make sure your person keeps wearing their glasses or hearing aid if normally used. 

• Encourage your person to move around and walk if possible. 

• Encourage your person to drink plenty of fluids (aim for 1-2 litres per day unless on a fluid restriction) 

• Make sure your person eats regularly – if appetite is poor, little and often, finger foods and full fat yoghurts/milk.

• Try to avoid lots of noises and distractions.

• Mental stimulation will help, so try to keep your person interested in things like reading, sport and current affairs. 

• Regularly remind your person of the time of day- if possible have a clock beside the person and also remind them of where they are (it can help to write this on a piece of paper and stick it on the wall)

• Try to do some activities with the person such as playing a game, cooking together or a favourite hobby.  

• Avoid long sleeps in the day (this might result in the person being up all night)

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What if my person is restless, distressed or angry?

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A person with delirium might behave in an unexpected way because of the effect of delirium on the brain. Sometimes the person might become distressed or angry. Usually there will be a reason for the person’s distress, if you know what it is, you will find it easier to help your person.