Patient and Family Education

Delirium can be traumatic for patients and their family. Patients may experience anxiety and depression in the months following a delirium episode. Similarly, it may take days to months for patients to return to their cognitive baseline. However, many cases of delirium resolve completely, and patients often return to normal cognitive function. Providing education and reassurance to patients and families is important. Family can play a crucial role in helping by participating in the non-pharmacological interventions. They can help keep the patient oriented by bringing in familiar objects from home, talking to them about familiar topics, assisting with hydration and ensuring glasses and hearing aids are used while awake. 

Share the following resources with families, and educate them about delirium and ways they can help their loved ones.