Table 1.

Non-pharmacologic interventions used to manage delirium

Nurses in this study used several non-pharmacologic interventions to manage delirium based on their experiential knowledge and trial and error: Sitters Folding towels or other laundry Walking or other physical exercise Relaxing music or the relaxation channel on the hospital television Assessing for fall risk Close observation or frequent visual monitoring Clustering patients with delirium in the same room Decreasing environmental stimulation Giving patients colouring books, puzzles, books, magazines or newspapers Reorientation Changing hospital routine to match the routine of the older adult at home Encouraging family presence at the bedside Using warm blankets, food or a quick back rub to provide comfort Simple touch by handing hands Talking with the patient, communication