​​​T​​​​reatment

There is no treatment for delirium. The​ goal is to treat the cause of delirium and keep the person as comfortable as possible. Finding the cause usually means doing tests and asking about recent health changes. Sometimes the cause of delirium isn't known.

Delirium can also happen in the last days and hours of life. The focus at the end of life is to keep the person comfortable.

​​​​​​​​How you can help

​There are many ways you can help a person with delirium feel more comfortable.

Offer comfort and calm

• ​Speak clearly, softly, and use fewer words. 
• Give the person to respond. They may need a minute to think about what they want to say.
• Don't argue with the person or correct them.
• Reassure the person. They may be confused and scared, so tell them you're there to help and to keep them safe.
• Make sure the person is wearing their aids, like their glasses, hearing aids, or dentures.
• Keep the area around the person calm and soothing.
• Use a clock to help a person remember the time. Use a calendar or whiteboard to help them remember the date.
• Play the person's favourite music, as long as it's quiet and light.
• Leave the radio or TV off. The added voices and images may add to the confusion.

• ​​​Visit often and keep the visits short. In the early days of a delirium, someone may be asked to stay with their friend or family member as much as possible. Take turns so no one gets too tired.
• Visit at mealtimes so you can help make sure the person eats and drinks enough. Check with the nursing staff if you want to bring the person food.
• Bring items they know and may find comforting, like a favourite sweater, family photos, or spiritual or cultural items.
• Bring in a book for family and friends to sign and date whenever they visit. This may help the person remember their visitors.
  

• Offer light and nourishing meals. 
• Make sure they drink enough fluids to keep their urine pale.
  
• Help the person move around or get some light exercise.
• Make sure someone is always with them.
• Remove anything that could be a safety risk, such as breakable glass item, heavy objects, cords, hot liquids, and sharp items like scissors or razors.
  

​If you have questions about delirium or dementia call Health Link at 811. You can talk to a registered nurse​ and ask about the Dementia Advice Line.