How to help stop delirium
Some people are more likely to get delirium. Here are ways to help:
• Stop smoking or drinking too much alcohol
• Use glasses or hearing aids: They help you stay aware of
what’s happening.
• Sleep well: Eye masks and ear plugs can help in hospital.
• Move around: Walking or gentle movements help your body
and brain.
• Eat and drink enough: This keeps your body strong.
• If you cant poo: Eat fruits and veggies and stay active.
• Check your medicine: Some medicines can make delirium
worse.
• Do fun things: Listening to music, reading and seeing family
can help.
How Family and Friends can Help
If someone you care about has delirium, here’s what you can do:
• Visit often – your presence helps them feel safe
• Bring their glasses, hearing aids, or dentures
• Bring things like photos or a favourite blanket
• Talk to nurses if you notice changes
• Help them eat and drink
• Let staff know if they smoke, drink a lot, or take sleeping pills
• Share what you know about them – it helps staff give better
care. You’re part of the team, and your help is really important!
Going Home after being Confused (Delirium)
While some people return to normal, others may still be a little
more confused and less able than usual to carry out their daily
tasks. A few will have unpleasant memories of this experience but
most will get better with time and in fact just being at home can
allow a quicker recovery. However, some of these problems never
completely go away.
We encourage people who have suffered from delirium and their
relatives to talk openly about their experiences as this may help
speed up their recovery and see their GP for if they are worried
What is delirium?
Sometimes when people are sick or have had an operation, they
can become confused. This is called delirium. It can be scary, but
doctors and nurses help people feel better
Delirium is not the same as dementia
Here’s how they’re different:
Delirium:
• Starts quickly (in hours or days)
• Can make thinking and memory worse
• Gets better, but it might take a few hours or even weeks
Dementia:
• Happens slowly over months or years
• Doesn’t go away
• People with dementia can also get delirium
Signs of delirium
Someone with delirium might:
• Seem confused or not know where they are
• Say things that don’t make sense
• Be sleepy or very restless
• Forget things easily
• See or hear things that aren’t really there
• Act different
• Eat less or move less
If you notice these things in someone, tell a nurse or doctor.
Different types of delirium
There are two kinds:
• Hyperactive delirium: The person might be loud, upset, or
moving around a lot.
• Hypoactive delirium: The person might be very quiet, sleepy,
or not want to talk.
We check for delirium looking for any changes in how a person acts.
What happens after leaving Hospital?
Normally people feel better once the cause is treated. Some people
get back to normal quickly. Other might still feel a bit mixed – up,
finding some things harder for a while. People might remember
scary or strange things from when they were confused. Being at
home often helps them feel better faster. Sometimes, though, the
confusion doesn’t go away completely.
Getting help after leaving Hospital
We will try to make sure you get the help they need home. This
might include support to help them walk, eat, and do daily things.
If you are worried about someone who had delirium talk to their
doctor for help. The hospital will let the GP know what happened so
they can help.
Talking helps
Talking with Family and Staff about how you feel and what you have
experienced.
Talking about it can help people feel better. Sharing stories and
feelings with family, friends, or nurses can help.
If you need any support on discharge please contact your GP for
follow up.
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Author Safeguarding Team
Approved by Safeguarding Committee Meeting
Date of Publication 04/02/2026
Reference No PL/1681 (v1)
Review Date 01/02/2029
