5 steps for prevention

It may take days, weeks, or even months for delirium to go away. So prevention is important. In some cases, a person may not fully recover. Here are some steps you can take:

Step 1. Help the person stay focused and present

• Announce visitors when they enter the room.

• Make sure the person has access to eyeglasses, if needed.

• Make sure the person has a working hearing aid, if needed.

• Keep a regular routine for the person during the day.

• Put a clock and calendar in the room. Mention the day, date, and time throughout the day. Keep the person oriented to place and date.

• Tell the person when it’s time for something, such as a meal, physical activity, or bedtime.

• Put a few familiar objects around the room.

• Make sure the person has a window and can see the outdoors and sunlight.

• Make sure the room has good lighting during the day even if it’s dark outside.

• Put a TV or radio in the room so the person can keep in touch with the outside world.

• Encourage the person to be active during the day, and keep a normal sleep schedule at night.

Step 2. Keep a calm environment

• Limit the number of people allowed in the person’s room.

• Talk with the person calmly.

• Don’t argue with the person.

• Keep noise levels low.

• Don’t play loud music or have the TV volume too loud.

• If at home, keep noisy children at a distance when possible.

• Take unneeded objects away and don’t let the room get cluttered. But some familiar objects may be helpful to keep the person oriented.

• Make sure the room is a comfortable temperature.

Step 3. Help the person get good sleep

• Make sure the person keeps to regular sleep and wake times.

• Dim the lights in the evening. Turn off room and hallways lights after bedtime. Turn off the TV at night.

• Reduce lights and sounds from medical machines at night.

• Keep the room quiet at night.

• Keep the room bright with lights and open curtains during the day.

• Make sure the person doesn't have caffeine after noon.

• Ask hospital staff and others to limit unneeded nighttime visits.

• Give the person sleep aids, such as an eye mask or ear plugs. Don't give the person sleeping pills.

• Ask the person if they're sleeping through the night. (Note: A delirious person may not be able to give an accurate history.)

Step 4. Help the person stay healthy

• Make sure the person eats a healthy diet on a regular meal schedule.

• Make sure the person drinks enough fluids, especially if they have diarrhea, fever, or other symptoms that can cause dehydration.

• Make sure the person has regular bowel and bladder habits.

• Make sure they take all medicine, as needed, on schedule.

• Help the person get regular physical activity, if possible.

• Tell the person’s healthcare provider right away if you see signs of a health concern, such as fever, pain, or any change in condition.

Step 5. Keep in contact with healthcare providers

• Ask the person’s healthcare provider about their medicines. Some medicines can cause delirium.

• Get help if the person needs to stop taking alcohol or psychoactive medicines.

When you need support

Talk with your healthcare provider about your role as a caregiver. Your provider may have information for you about support groups and other resources.