Keeping a healthy mind in hospital

A patient's guide to preventing delirium in hospital

What is delirium?

• A state of mental confusion that develops quickly
• The level of confusion may change throughout the day
• It is a serious and common condition for older persons in hospital
• It is usually temporary but may last for several weeks

Features of delirium may include:

• Being restless and upset
• Forgetfulness and having trouble concentrating
• Seeing and hearing things that are not there
• Mixing up day and night
• Acting differently than normal
• Trying to climb out of bed unsafely
• Being drowsier than normal
• Speech that is not clear

How families and caregivers can help you keep a healthy mind in hospital:

1. Maintain an active mind

• Keep track of the time of day, date and where you are located in Sunnybrook Hospital
• Participate in making decisions about your care
• Ask your family to
  • Post a calendar in your room
  • Bring in a bedside clock and a few familiar objects from home (eg. photos)
• Engage in activities such as: reading, playing games/ cards, word puzzles, looking at photo albums
• Talk about current events or your family history
• Ask family and friends to visit

2. Maintain an active body

• Move your arms and legs while in bed or chair as much as you can
• Check with your health care team if you are safe to get up on your own. If you are allowed:
  
  • Walk around the unit 3 or more times a day
  • Involve yourself in your personal care such as: toileting, grooming, washing

3. Maintain a healthy diet

• Check with your health care team if you have any special diet requirements or restrictions. If not:
  • Eat as much of your meals as you can
  • Drink fluids throughout the day
• Sit up in a chair for your meals if you can

4. Maintain healthy hearing

• If you require hearing aids, make sure you have them and you are wearing them
• If you need assistance with this please let a member of your health care team know

5. Maintain healthy vision

• If you require glasses, make sure you have them and you are wearing them even if you are spending more time awake in bed
• Make sure your glasses are clean

6. Maintain healthy sleep routines

• Try to stay awake during the day
• Stop drinking fluids 2 hours before going to bed
• Avoid caffeine in the evening
• Bring in your own pillow and/or blanket from home

If you notice a change in your thinking, memory or personality please notify a member of your health care team.