The Eat Walk Engage team have rugged up in their ugliest jumpers and all to draw attention to delirium.
Delirium is a sudden shift in thinking leading to confusion and Eat Walk Engage Facilitator Fiona Garrett said it can strike anyone.
"Delirium is common in older hospital patients, often after surgery, or illness," she said. "It can make people feel forgetful or disoriented, and it can come and go over the course of a day.
“Delirium can be scary for patients and their loved ones, but the good news is, there’s a lot we can do to prevent it and families can help too.”
Fiona said some simple steps could make a big difference:
- Keep patients moving, if safe to do so
- Talk with them often and remind them of the date, time and where they are
- Make sure they have their glasses, hearing aids or dentures
- Bring familiar things from home, like photos or a favourite blanket.
The Eat Walk Engage program at Redland Hospital helps patients stay active, connected, and involved in daily life while they are in hospital, helping recovery, but also lowering the chance of delirium.
Staff recently took part in three special training sessions including how to communicate about delirium, practical ways to prevent delirium during a shift, and a hands-on simulation of what to look out for when admitting patients to a ward.