Delirium constitutes a pressing medical emergency necessitating immediate attention in the elderly population.

But what is it?

Delirium is a rapid-onset medical condition marked by fluctuating changes in mental function, typically lasting a few days but possibly persisting longer. While more prevalent in older individuals, it can affect any age group and is considered a serious concern. Prevention is often possible; treatment hinges on identifying and addressing underlying causes.

What are the symptoms?

Thanks to the NSW Government Agency For Clinical Innovation, Symptoms of delirium occur suddenly and involve changes to a person’s physical and mental state. Someone with delirium may:

• appear confused and forgetful
• be unsure of the time of day or location
• be unable to pay attention
• act differently from their usual self
• have changes in their function
  i.e. mobility, ability to self-care
• be very agitated, sleepy, quiet and
  withdrawn, sleepy or a combination of these
• have changes to sleeping habits, such as
  staying awake at night and being drowsy
  during the daytime
• feel fearful, upset, irritable, angry or sad
• see things that are not there, but that seem
  very real to them
• lose control of their bladder or bowels
  (incontinence).

What causes delirium?

Delirium is often associated with an underlying
physical illness or infection. Other common
causes of delirium in older people include:

• difficulty going to the toilet (constipation
  or not being able to empty the bladder)
• dehydration or malnutrition
• severe pain
• medications, including ‘over-the-counter’
  medicines
• heavy alcohol consumption
• withdrawal from alcohol, cigarettes or
  medication, particularly sleeping pills
• changes in a person’s environment,
  such as being hospitalised.
• ..sometimes, it is not always possible to identify the cause.

What are we doing?

Collaborating with Wollongong University, Barossa Village is pioneering the development of a proactive pre-risk assessment tool designed to urgently identify individuals requiring delirium assessment and mitigate its adverse impacts. This groundbreaking initiative garnered vital support through an ARIIA grant, recognising its potential to enhance elderly care. Matt Kowald and Jamie-Lee Hunt, alongside dedicated colleagues, have committed extensive effort to strategise implementing their ARIIA project, “They Weren’t Like That Yesterday.” Gratitude extends to Professor Victoria Traynor and Dr. Alera Bowden for their invaluable expertise.

Joined by Tanunda Lutheran Homes, Wheatfields at Freeling, and Kalyra McLaren Vale, Barossa Village equips staff with advanced delirium management skills and crafts standardised flow charts to guide care practices. Junior staff will adopt the clinical acumen of senior practitioners, advocating for delirium as a medical emergency and facilitating necessary support.

We are dedicated to enhancing the quality of care provided to our residents by fostering a comprehensive understanding of delirium as a medical emergency and facilitating prompt intervention.

World Delirium Awareness Day is the perfect occasion to unveil this initiative and highlight upcoming educational opportunities centred on delirium. This program represents an exciting endeavour aimed at broadening the expertise of our nursing staff in delirium management, empowering them to effectively recognise, assess, and respond to delirium cases, elevating the standard of care for those under our supervision.

Find out more about how long delirium can last, roles of family or what to do next: ACI-Aged-Delirium-brochure