Delirium in hospital

• Please tell the ward staff if you see a change or suspect anything and ask them to consider Delirium. 

• Nominate yourself or a member of your family to support your person in hospital and ensure that you arrange the best times to be on the ward for you and your person. 

• Try to spend as much time as you can with your person. It can be hard when they are confused, but evidence shows that it does help. 

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

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

• Try to avoid lots of noises and distractions.

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

• Encourage other family and friends to stay in contact via telephone or Zoom.

• Bring in a bedside clock if you can and regularly remind your relative of the time of day.

• Bring in any favourite and familiar objects for your person (photos are particularly useful)

• Encourage your person to eat and drink as much as possible. Bring in treats and favourite foods to tempt them. 

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What if my person is restless, distressed or angry?

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. Click on the links below for more information.​