Ten tips for reducing the risk of Important things to remember: delirium in the hospital 1. Bring a complete list of all to the  Delirium is common and usually hospital. It may help to bring the temporary. bottles.  Family members and caregivers can Delirium 2. Prepare a “medical information sheet” that play an important role in caring for a lists all allergies, names and phone numbers person with delirium. A guide for patients, of physicians, the name of the patient’s usual  Tell a health care provider immedi- family members, and pharmacy, and all known medical conditions. ately if you notice any sudden changes in behavior or other symp- 3. Bring glasses, hearing aids, and dentures to caregivers toms of delirium. the hospital.  Delirium can be a scary experience. 4. Bring in familiar objects from home. If you or your loved one experiences 5. Help orient the patient throughout the day. delirium, talking to a health care pro- vider can help you understand what Speak in a calm and reassuring tone of voice. happened. Tell the patient where he is and why he is there.  Talk to your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns 6. When giving instructions, state one simple about delirium. task at a time.

7. Massage can be soothing for some patients.

8. Stay with your loved one in the hospital as much as possible. Aging Brain Center Institute for Aging Research 9. Tell the nurse or doctor immediately if you Hebrew SeniorLife notice any symptoms of delirium. Family 1200 Centre Street members are often the first to notice subtle Boston, MA 02131 changes. (617) 971-5390 [email protected] 10. Learn more about delirium. www.hospitalelderlifeprogram.org What is delirium? How can I help care for a loved one What are the symptoms of who is delirious? Delirium is a temporary state of . delirium?  Have a family member, caregiver, or friend stay It causes a person’s mind to become Symptoms of delirium are different for dif- with the delirious patient as much as possible. clouded and makes paying and ferent people. Symptoms may come and This is especially important when their confu- focusing thoughts difficult. It develops go throughout the day. People with delir- sion is severe. This will help reduce some of the quickly over hours or days. It usually only ium may have some of the following symp- anxiety caused by being in an unfamiliar place. lasts for a few hours or a few days, but may toms: last longer. Delirium is a common, serious,  Help maintain a quiet and peaceful setting.  Difficulty understanding what is hap- and often preventable problem in hospital- pening around them  Bring in familiar objects from home. ized older adults. Delirium can slow the healing and recovery process and requires  Confusion about daily events, daily rou-  Make sure the lighting is good but not too immediate treatment. tines, and who people are bright.

 Saying things that do not make sense  Play soothing music.

 Changes in personality  If your loved one wears glasses, make sure they are clean and fit well. If your loved one wears Who is at risk for delirium?  Seeing or hearing things that are not hearing aids, make sure the batteries are fully really there charged. People who:  Thinking that people are trying to harm   Are 65 or older Keep your loved one mobile as much as possi- them ble. Talk to the nurse or doctor about appropri-  Have or ate options.  Becoming quiet and withdrawn  Are not functionally independent  If your loved one is in physical restraints, ask if  Becoming stressed, anxious, or hyper they can be removed.  Have impaired vision or hearing  Changes in sleeping habits  Make sure your loved one is eating and drinking  Are dehydrated/malnourished  Changes in eating habits enough.  Take multiple medications  Talk to your loved one about the delirious epi-

 Have multiple medical conditions sode. This can help lessen the anxiety, fear, frustration, or anger that might otherwise de-  Are having velop.