Content for Educating Older Adults and their Families about Delirium

Content for educating older adults and their families about delirium:

• what delirium is, and why the person is at risk for delirium,
• strategies to prevent delirium that are appropriate for the person,
• what it is like for a person to experience delirium,
• signs of delirium and the importance of communicating with the health-care team if there are sudden changes or fluctuations in behaviour,
• ways to communicate and reorient the person with delirium (e.g., using a clear, calm voice, short statements, reminding them where they are), and
• the role and benefits of family presence and/or a companion/sitter.