Why is it important?

Delirium is a state of confusion that appears suddenly and mainly affects older adults, especially during hospitalisation. Although it is usually temporary, detecting it early allows healthcare professionals to act quickly and reduce the risk of complications.

How can you help?

Help them stay oriented

Gently remind them where they are, what day it is, and why they are there. It can also be helpful to keep a visible clock and calendar nearby.

Speak calmly and provide reassurance

Use a calm tone of voice, make eye contact, and use simple sentences. If they are confused, avoid arguing or correcting them abruptly.

Make sure they have access to their usual aids

Check that their glasses, hearing aids, or dentures are within reach if they use them. Being able to see and hear well makes communication easier and helps maintain orientation.

Maintain a routine

Whenever possible, encourage them to stay awake and active during the day and to get exposure to natural light. At night, try to ensure they can rest in a calm environment.

Stimulate their mind

Talk with them, encourage them to read, listen to music, look at family photographs, or take part in activities they enjoy. Staying mentally active can also help prevent delirium.

Encourage mobility, nutrition, and hydration

Whenever possible, encourage them to move, eat properly, and drink enough fluids, following the recommendations of healthcare professionals.

During hospitalisation

Warning signs

Delirium can appear suddenly, and symptoms may vary throughout the day.

Be aware if the person:

• Becomes confused or disoriented.
• Does not know where they are or what day it is.
• Says things that do not make sense or has difficulty following a conversation.
• Sees or hears things that are not there.
• Shows sudden changes in behaviour, such as irritability, aggression, or mistrust.
• Does not recognise family members or people close to them.
• Is very sleepy or, on the contrary, very restless or agitated, especially at night.
• Has difficulty maintaining attention or seems more forgetful than usual.

If you notice these signs

Inform the healthcare team as soon as possible. Stay calm, provide support, and avoid arguing or trying to convince the person that they are wrong. Healthcare professionals will assess the possible causes of delirium and apply the most appropriate measures.

Your presence, your willingness to listen and your support can make a real difference to an older person's emotional well-being. Feeling supported, understood and listened to helps them cope better with changes, difficulties and moments of uncertainty.

Why is it important?

As people age, experience illness or face changes in their daily routine, it is common for them to feel fear, worry, sadness or insecurity. The support of family members and caregivers can help reduce stress, provide reassurance and improve emotional well-being.

How can you help?

Listen and give them time

Allow them to express how they feel without interrupting or dismissing their emotions. Sometimes, simply feeling heard is the best support you can offer.

Speak calmly and clearly

Use a calm tone of voice, maintain eye contact and speak using simple, easy-to-understand language.

Respect their emotions

It is normal for them to feel afraid, sad, worried or frustrated. Show understanding and avoid minimising what they are experiencing.

Encourage them to stay connected with loved ones

Whenever possible, help them keep in touch with family members, friends or other important people, whether in person, by phone or through video calls.

Encourage activities they enjoy

Reading, listening to music, talking, doing crossword puzzles or spending time on hobbies can help keep their mind active and improve their mood.

During a hospital stay

How you can support their emotional well-being

A hospital stay can cause insecurity, stress or disorientation, especially for older people. Your support can help them feel calmer and more secure.

Help them stay oriented

Gently remind them where they are, what day it is and why they are in hospital, especially if they show signs of disorientation.

Avoid arguing if they are confused

If they say something incorrect or seem disoriented, avoid correcting them abruptly or starting an argument. Speak calmly and help them reorient themselves in a reassuring way.

Bring familiar personal items

If possible, bring items that are familiar and comforting, such as family photographs, a clock, a calendar or other personal belongings.

Make sure they have their usual aids

Check that they have easy access to their glasses, hearing aids or dentures, if they use them, as these help with communication and orientation.

Encourage mental stimulation during the day

Encourage them to read, listen to the radio with headphones, do crossword puzzles, talk with others or take part in other activities that help keep their mind active and engaged during the day.

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older people. Factors such as loss of strength, balance problems, certain medications or an unsafe environment can increase this risk.

Taking a few simple precautions can help prevent falls and enable the older person to move around more safely.

How can you help?

Create a safe environment

Keep walkways free of obstacles, remove rugs or objects that could cause trips, and make sure the home is well lit.

Encourage them to get up slowly

Remind them to sit up and stand gradually before they start walking, especially if they have been sitting or lying down for a long time.

Encourage the use of appropriate footwear

It is recommended that they wear closed, comfortable shoes with non-slip soles to provide better stability.

Respect their abilities

Support them when necessary, but avoid holding onto them too tightly or pulling them suddenly. If they need help walking, ask the healthcare professionals about the safest way to assist them.

Encourage the use of mobility aids when recommended

If they use a walking stick, walking frame or any other mobility aid, encourage them to use it correctly whenever needed.

During a hospital stay

How you can help prevent falls

During a hospital stay, the risk of falls often increases because of weakness, medical treatments or being in an unfamiliar environment. Your support can also help improve their safety.

Keep essential items within reach

Make sure the call bell, glasses, phone, water and other frequently used personal items are always close at hand.

Prevent them from getting up alone if it is not safe

If the healthcare team has advised that they need assistance to get out of bed or walk, stay with them or ask a healthcare professional for help before they try.

Remind them to get up slowly

Standing up gradually helps prevent dizziness and loss of balance.

Check that they are wearing appropriate footwear

Whenever possible, make sure they wear closed, non-slip shoes when getting out of bed.

Follow the healthcare team's recommendations

If they use a walking frame, walking stick or any other mobility aid, encourage them to use it as instructed by the healthcare professionals.

Stay with them whenever possible

Your presence can give them greater confidence and help identify any difficulties before a fall occurs.

When an older person reduces their physical activity for a prolonged period, they may lose strength, mobility and confidence in moving around. This can make everyday activities more difficult and increase the risk of falls.

Staying active helps to:

• Maintain strength and mobility.
• Improve balance and safety.
• Preserve independence in daily activities.
• Reduce the risk of falls.
• Promote physical and emotional well-being.

How can you help?

Encourage them to keep moving

Encourage the older person to stay as active as possible within their abilities. It does not require strenuous exercise: going for a short walk, getting up regularly or doing small movements throughout the day can all be beneficial.

Encourage independence in daily activities

Whenever possible, encourage them to take part in everyday activities such as getting dressed, washing, preparing a simple meal or setting the table. Maintaining these routines helps preserve their independence.

Respect their pace

Everyone has different abilities. Give them the time they need and avoid doing for them what they can still do safely on their own.

Support without overprotecting

Be there to help when needed, but encourage them to remain as independent as possible. Feeling capable also contributes to their well-being.

Ask healthcare professionals if you have any questions

If you are unsure which activities are most appropriate or notice difficulties with mobility, consult the healthcare professionals for advice.

During a hospital stay

During a hospital stay, it is common for the older person to move less than recommended. Whenever the healthcare team advises it, you can help them stay active safely.

Encourage participation in daily activities

Encourage them to wash, get dressed or eat by themselves whenever it is safe for them to do so.

Encourage them to get out of bed

If the healthcare professionals have advised it, help them sit out of bed in a chair several times a day and avoid spending the whole day lying in bed.

Walk when advised

Walking along the corridor, with assistance if needed and always following the healthcare team's recommendations, helps maintain strength and supports recovery.

If they need to stay in bed

Encourage them to change position regularly and, if recommended by the healthcare professionals, to perform gentle arm and leg movements.

Put safety first

Remind them to get up slowly and to ask for help if they feel unsteady, dizzy or have difficulty moving.

Your support as a family member or caregiver is very important for the well-being, safety and independence of the older person. Whether at home or during a hospital stay, your involvement can support their recovery, help prevent complications and contribute to following the healthcare team's recommendations.

How can you help?

• Encourage them to stay active

Encourage the older person to continue carrying out the activities they can do safely. Staying active helps maintain strength, balance and independence, while also supporting their physical and emotional well-being.

• Support without taking over

Whenever possible, encourage them to do the activities they are still able to carry out on their own. Doing everything for them may contribute to a loss of independence.

• Look after their emotional well-being

Listen to them, spend time with them and encourage them to stay in touch with family and friends. Feeling supported and being involved in decisions about their care contributes to their emotional well-being.

• Encourage a healthy diet and good hydration

Help them follow a balanced diet and drink enough fluids, always in line with the recommendations of the healthcare professionals.

• Be alert to any changes

If you notice changes in their physical or emotional condition, difficulty walking, increased confusion or any other change that concerns you, contact the healthcare team or their healthcare professional.

Remember

An illness or a hospital stay should not mean stopping moving, taking part in daily activities or looking after yourself. With your support, you can help the older person maintain as much independence as possible and support their recovery.

During a hospital stay

How you can help keep them safe:

• Inform the healthcare team if you notice dizziness, weakness, unsteadiness while walking or any other change in their condition.
• Do not help the person get out of bed or walk unless the healthcare team has indicated that it is safe to do so. If you are unsure, always ask a member of the healthcare team.
• Help maintain a safe environment: keep walkways clear, make sure the call bell is within reach and keep frequently used personal items nearby.
• Follow the healthcare team's instructions regarding mobility, nutrition, medication and the use of assistive devices.
• Share any relevant information about the person's usual habits, needs or any changes you have noticed with the healthcare team.

Delirium is a sudden state of confusion that is more common in older adults, particularly during an illness or a hospital stay. Recognising the early signs and taking preventive measures can help reduce the risk.

How to prevent delirium

• Maintain a regular daily routine whenever possible.
• Get enough sleep and rest.
• Stay physically and mentally active according to your abilities.
• Wear your glasses, hearing aids, or other assistive devices if you need them.
• Maintain good hydration and a healthy diet.
• If you feel disoriented or have any concerns, ask your healthcare professionals or the people around you for help.

Warning signs

It is important to seek medical advice if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• You feel confused or disoriented and have difficulty knowing where you are or what day it is.
• You see or hear things that are not there.
• You notice sudden changes in your behaviour, such as irritability, agitation, or suspiciousness.
• You have difficulty recognising people around you.
• You feel very sleepy during the day or, on the contrary, unusually restless, especially at night.

If you are in hospital

During a hospital stay, the risk of developing delirium may increase because of the illness, changes to your usual routine, or certain treatments.

• Keep your glasses, hearing aids, or other assistive devices with you whenever you need them.
• Ask your family to bring familiar personal items, such as a clock, a calendar, or photographs, to help you stay oriented.
• During the day, try to stay awake and mentally active, and aim to rest at night.
• If you notice that you feel confused, disoriented, or experience any of the warning signs described above, inform your healthcare team immediately so they can assess your condition and provide the appropriate care.

Emotional well-being is an essential part of overall health. During an illness or a hospital stay, it is normal to experience emotions such as worry, fear, sadness, or confusion. Taking care of your emotional well-being and staying connected with the people around you can help you cope better with this situation.

How to take care of your emotional well-being

• Express how you feel and share your concerns with people you trust or with your healthcare professionals.
• Stay in touch with family and friends whenever possible.
• Take time to do activities that help you relax and keep your mind active, such as reading, listening to music, or doing crossword puzzles.
• If you wear glasses, hearing aids, or use any prosthetic devices, continue to use them whenever possible.
• If you feel disoriented or have any questions, ask your healthcare team. Knowing where you are, what day it is, or why you are in hospital can help you feel more secure.
• If possible, keep personal items nearby, such as photographs, a clock, or a calendar, to help you feel more comfortable and oriented.

If you are in hospital

During a hospital stay, changes to your daily routine may lead to feelings of uncertainty or disorientation. A few simple measures can help you feel calmer and better oriented.

• Ask your family to bring familiar personal items, such as photographs, a clock, or a calendar.
• Keep your glasses, hearing aids, or other assistive devices with you whenever you need them.
• During the day, try to keep your mind active by reading, listening to the radio or music, doing crossword puzzles, or taking part in other activities you enjoy.
• If you feel afraid, sad, confused, or disoriented, let your healthcare team know so they can support you.

A balanced diet is essential for maintaining good health. In older adults, good nutrition helps preserve strength and muscle mass, maintain independence, and support healthy ageing.

Tips for Healthy Eating

• Eat a varied and balanced diet.
• Include protein-rich foods such as lean meat, fish, eggs, legumes, and dairy products to help maintain muscle mass and strength.
• Eat fruit, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains every day, as they provide fibre and other nutrients that are beneficial for your health.
• Choose fish regularly, especially oily fish, and unsalted nuts.
• Use olive oil as your main cooking and dressing fat.
• Choose healthy cooking methods such as baking, steaming, grilling, cooking en papillote, or stir-frying, and limit fried and breaded foods.
• Reduce your intake of ultra-processed foods, industrial pastries, sugary drinks, and other products high in added sugars.
• Salt is necessary for the body to function properly, but it should be consumed in moderation. The general recommendation is not to exceed 5 g of salt per day (equivalent to approximately 2 g of sodium). To enhance the flavour of food, use herbs, spices, lemon, or vinegar, and check food labels, as many processed foods contain "hidden" salt.
• If you have difficulty chewing or swallowing, adapt the texture of your food and consult your healthcare professionals.

Hydration

Staying well hydrated is essential, as the sensation of thirst may decrease with age.

• Aim to drink 1.5 to 2 litres of fluids each day, unless your healthcare professional has advised otherwise.
• In addition to water, herbal teas, broths, soups, dairy products, and water-rich fruits also help maintain good hydration.

If You Are in Hospital

During a hospital stay, good nutrition is especially important to support recovery and help maintain muscle strength.

• Try to finish your meals whenever possible.
• If you have a poor appetite, eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day.
• Adapt your meals to your preferences whenever possible, while following the recommendations of your healthcare team.
• Stay well hydrated by following the advice of your healthcare professionals.
• If you have difficulty chewing or swallowing, inform your healthcare team so they can adapt the texture of your food or recommend the most appropriate treatment.
• If you have any questions or difficulties with eating, speak to your healthcare team.