In care settings, like hospitals or continuing care facilities, staff look for signs of delirium regularly. But family and friends often notice the signs first.
If you notice that a family member or friend has any of the following changes in thinking or how they act, tell a nurse, doctor or other healthcare provider. If you are unsure, you can call Health Link at 811 to talk to a registered nurse.
With delirium the following signs may come and go:
- sudden change in ability to do everyday tasks
- trouble paying attention or concentrating
- trouble following conversations or understanding others
- changes in behaviour (how the person acts)
- rambling speech, going from topic to topic quickly, or speaking in garbled words
- forgetfulness
- trouble recognizing familiar people
- confusion about the time of day or place
- sudden mood changes (being more confused, worried, or sad)
- seeing or hearing things that are not there
- more restless or quiet than usual
- falling asleep during visits
If you're at home and notice any of the above changes, and the person is suddenly very sick, confused, or hard to wake up, call 911 or get emergency medical help right away.
