Resources > Resources for Family & Friends > Delirium in hospital > Dos and Don'ts

Here are some do’s and don’ts:

Do slow everything down, lower your voice and speak clearly.

Do remind the person that they are safe and that you will help them.

Do write things down if necessary

Do listen to what the person is trying to tell you and listen to the tone of voice being used—is the person sounding scared, angry or upset?

Do let the person know that you understand that they are upset. Tell the person that you are sorry that they are distressed and will try to help

Do explain what is happening but do not argue with the person’s comments.

Do walk around the room with the person if possible (a person with delirium will often want to walk around, try to avoid restricting movement)

Do remind the patient where they are — they might have been forgotten.

Do try to distract the person, offer a drink or suggest they show you something.

Do give the person something to do – remember a delirious person will have a short attention span so aim for 10-15 minute activity.

DON’T

Don’t Take the behaviour personally- this is most likely to be caused by the delirium.

Don’t Argue or raise your voice back at the person.

Don’t Over-correct any mistaken beliefs/comments (this can make things worse).

Don’t Stop the person doing what they want to do unless it has to be stopped for safety reasons

Don’t Give orders ‘sit down Billy…’ or ‘Don’t do that’ try ‘Billy, why don’t we….’ or ‘ is it ok if I…’

Don’t Lie – ‘he’s coming now’ or ‘if you sit down we’ll do that later’