Delirium at home: strategies for home health clinicians

Abstract

Delirium is a challenging, under-appreciated problem in the home care setting. When it is not detected early and managed effectively, delirium adversely affects outcomes and quality of life. Home healthcare nurses play a key role in the assessment, early identification, and management of delirium and in the support and education of patients and their family caregivers. This article reviews delirium and describes strategies for detecting and managing delirium in the home care setting.