Mentation |
Provide hearing amplifier, hearing aid batteries
Provide reading glasses, glasses repair kit
Cognitive games (crossword puzzle, reading materials,
playing cards, word search, coloring tools, crayons/coloring pencils)
Clock/calendar in room
Instruct family about delirium and remind them to bring hearing aid, reading glasses
Allow uninterrupted sleep |
8 (57%)
7 (50%)
5 (36%)
2 (14%)
1 (7%)
1 (7%) |
Mobility |
Assess mobility and mobilize patient during each shift
Designate technician as “ambulator” to walk with geriatric patients
Chair at bedside
Remove tethers when possible (Foley, IV tubing, monitor cables) |
4 (29%)
1 (7%)
1 (7%)
1 (7%) |
Medication |
Avoid high-risk medications (benzodiazepines, opioids, anticholingergic, antipsychotics)
Perform medication reconciliation |
2 (14%)
1 (7%) |
Matters Most |
Encourage visitation
Have volunteer at bedside for company |
4 (29%)
1 (7%) |
Comfort |
Warming items (blanket, hat, mittens)
Move boarding observation/admitted patients to low stimulation environment (single-person room with doors)
Ear plugs
Aromatherapy
Lighting
Music
Face/sleep mask |
2 (14%)
2 (14%)
2 (14%)
1 (7%)
1 (7%)
1 (7%)
1 (7%) |
Normalizing Function |
Ensure hydration
Provide regular meals
Toileting protocol and care team communication regarding toileting status and assistance needed
Bathing, brushing teeth |
8 (57%)
8 (57%)
6 (43%)
1 (7%) |
Safety |
Distraction tools to mitigate agitation
Move patient closer to nurses’ station for monitoring
Sitter at bedside for fall prevention |
4 (29%)
2 (14%)
1 (7%) |