How to Help Prevent Delirium 

If you have a friend or family member who is at risk for delirium, you can do things to help. There is no guarantee that these measures will prevent delirium. Delirium is not always preventable. That's because sometimes delirium results from infections, medicines, or other causes that a healthcare provider must address. 

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 whenever 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 is time for something, such as a meal, physical activity or bedtime.
• Place 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 is dark outside.
• Place 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.
• Do not argue with the person.
• Keep noise levels low.
• Do not play loud music or have the TV volume too loud.
• 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.
• If person is able to walk to the bathroom, ensure a clearly lit path to the bathroom.
• If possible, 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.
• The person should limit his or her caffeine intake in the afternoon/evening
• Ask the person if he or she is 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 he or she has diarrhea, fever or other symptoms that can cause dehydration.
• Make sure the person has regular bowel and bladder habits.
• Make sure he or she takes 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.

© The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. This information has been modified by your health care provider with permission from the publisher.