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Understanding delirium through comics

Short illustrated stories for people with delirium, families and carers.

These stories cover adults of different ages, in hospital, intensive care, care homes, at home and in hospices.

Read them at your own pace and choose the topics that are useful to you. They are anonymised composite cases drawn from real clinical practice. People’s experiences and recovery vary.

Showing 57 of 57 comics

Recognising delirium

12 comics

Comic A01

The sudden change

Read comic A01: The sudden change (image and text)
Four-panel comic. On Sunday, Mum is relaxed at home with Karen. By Tuesday she is frightened and does not recognise her daughter. At hospital, Karen explains that the change began two days ago and the nurse says this timing matters. The nurse then sits calmly with Mum. Bottom line: A sudden change in thinking or behaviour may be delirium. Get medical help now.

A sudden change in thinking or behaviour over hours or days can be delirium and needs a prompt check by a doctor or nurse. Say what changed, when it began and what the person was like before.

Delirium is common during illness and after operations. It often improves when causes are found and treated, but recovery varies.

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Comic text

  1. Panel 1. Sunday. Mum is her usual self.

    • Mum: Put the kettle on, love.

  2. Panel 2. Tuesday.

    • Mum: Who are you? Where’s my mother?

  3. Panel 3. The same day, at the hospital.

    • Karen: This started two days ago. She’s never like this.
    • Nurse: That sudden change is what we need to know.

  4. Panel 4. A sudden change in thinking or behaviour over hours or days can be delirium. It is common, and it usually improves once the causes are treated.

Bottom band. A sudden change in thinking or behaviour may be delirium. Get medical help now.

Link to this comic

Comic A02

Delirium is not dementia

Read comic A02: Delirium is not dementia (image and text)
Four-panel comic. David asks whether his father has dementia. The nurse explains that dementia usually develops over months or years, whereas this change began over days. Dad is shown confused in hospital and well in his garden a year earlier. In the final panel David asks whether delirium can improve. The nurse, identified by the speech-bubble tail, answers: Usually, yes. Bottom line: A sudden change may be delirium and needs medical assessment.

Delirium and dementia are different. Dementia usually develops slowly. Delirium begins suddenly, over hours or days, and often changes during the day. A person living with dementia can also develop delirium.

If someone’s thinking or behaviour changes suddenly, tell staff what they were like before and when the change began. Delirium often improves, although recovery varies and depends on the person and the causes.

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Comic text

  1. Panel 1.

    • David: Is this dementia? He was fine last week.
    • Nurse: Dementia comes on over months or years. This came on in days. That is delirium.

  2. Panel 2. Delirium: sudden, over hours or days. It comes and goes during the day.

  3. Panel 3. Dementia: slow, over months or years. It does not come and go in the same way.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Nurse: People with dementia can get delirium too. The sudden change is the clue.
    • David: So this can get better?
    • Nurse: Usually, yes.

Bottom band. A sudden change may be delirium and needs medical assessment.

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Comic A03

The quiet kind

Read comic A03: The quiet kind (image and text)
Four-panel comic. Mum lies awake in hospital, staring into the distance with lunch untouched. She says she is tired, but Karen says she was chatting yesterday. Karen tells the nurse that her mother is slow and far away; the nurse says the change needs checking. The nurse then sits at Mum’s bedside. Bottom line: Quiet and far away can be delirium. Report the change.

Delirium does not always make a person visibly restless or upset. A person may become unusually quiet, slow to respond, less interested in other people or less interested in food and drink. This quieter form is easily missed because it may not draw attention.

If someone is quieter than usual or seems less able to respond, tell a nurse or doctor. Describe what has changed and what the person is normally like.

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Comic text

  1. Panel 1. Not everyone with delirium is agitated. Many go quiet.

    • Karen: Mum? You haven’t touched your lunch.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Mum: I’m just tired, love.
    • Karen: You were chatting away yesterday.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Karen: She’s not herself. She’s slow and far away.
    • Nurse: Thank you for telling me. That is a change we need to check.

  4. Panel 4. Quiet delirium is often missed because the person may not draw attention.

Bottom band. Quiet and far away can be delirium. Report the change.

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Comic A04

The change you can describe

Read comic A04: The change you can describe (image and text)
Four-panel comic titled The change you can describe. The nurse first asks Dad to say the months of the year backwards; he falters after November. She asks David whether there has been a sudden change in the last two weeks. David describes muddled night-time calls since Monday. The nurse thanks him for the useful information. Bottom line: Tell staff what changed and when. It helps them assess for delirium.

The 4AT is a short check used when delirium is suspected. It includes brief questions and a check of how well the person can pay attention. It also asks whether there has been a sudden change or changes during the day.

Information from someone who knows the person can be very useful. Say what changed, when it began and what the person was like beforehand. Staff may also use the person’s account, records and observations from other people.

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Comic text

  1. Panel 1. The nurse may do a short test called the 4AT.

    • Nurse: Mr Hughes, can you tell me the months of the year backwards, starting from December?
    • Dad: December… November… er…

  2. Panel 2.

    • Nurse: Has there been a sudden change in the last two weeks?

  3. Panel 3.

    • David: Yes. Since Monday. He’s been ringing me at night, muddled.

  4. Panel 4. What you know can help answer the acute-change part of the 4AT.

    • Nurse: That is very useful information. Thank you.

Bottom band. Tell staff what changed and when. It helps them assess for delirium.

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Comic A06

Who you are, where she is, what day it is

Read comic A06: Who you are, where she is, what day it is (image and text)
Four-panel comic. Karen tells Mum who she is, that Mum is in hospital with a chest infection and that it is Wednesday morning. When Mum asks how long she has been there, Karen says two days and reassures her that she is being looked after. Karen opens the curtains to daylight. Bottom line: Delirium: tell her, don’t quiz her.

A calm, short explanation can help someone with delirium: say who you are, where they are and why, and what day it is. Repeat it when needed without turning the conversation into a family quiz.

Staff are responsible for checking the person for delirium. Families can offer familiar reassurance, daylight and reminders of who is with them and where they are while responding to the person’s questions.

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Comic text

  1. Panel 1. Say who you are. Don’t test her.

    • Karen: Hello Mum. It’s Karen, your daughter.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Karen: You’re in the hospital. You had a chest infection. It’s Wednesday morning.
    • Mum: Wednesday…

  3. Panel 3. Answer the same question as many times as it is asked.

    • Mum: Have I been here long?
    • Karen: Two days. You’re in hospital, and we’re looking after you.

  4. Panel 4. Daylight and a calm voice both help.

    • Karen: Look, it’s a lovely morning.

Bottom band. Delirium: tell her, don’t quiz her.

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Comic B02

Awake but far away

Read comic B02: Awake but far away (image and text)
Six-panel comic, Awake but far away. Louise, a young white woman, lies awake and quiet in intensive care. Her sister initially thinks she is exhausted. Louise says she does not know where she is. Her sister reports that she was different yesterday. The nurse says she will check for delirium and request review. Her sister gently explains where she is. Louise remains unwell. Green footer: Delirium can be quiet, including in intensive care.

Delirium does not always look restless or visibly upset. Someone may be quiet, less interested in other people or slow to respond, and still feel frightened. This can happen in intensive care, including in younger adults.

Tell the team about changes from the person’s usual self. Ask whether staff have checked for delirium. A familiar voice and a short explanation can be part of care while staff look for and treat the causes.

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Comic text

  1. Panel 1. In intensive care.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Hannah: She must be exhausted.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Louise: I don’t know where I am.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Hannah: She wasn’t like this yesterday.

  5. Panel 5.

    • Nurse: I’ll check for delirium and ask the team to review her.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Hannah: It’s Hannah. You’re in hospital. I’m here with you.

Bottom band. Delirium can be quiet, including in intensive care.

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Comic B05

The phone call

Read comic B05: The phone call (image and text)
Four-panel comic, The phone call. Tom, a young white man, calls his flatmate but cannot make sense. Alex hears the sudden change, reaches Tom in their flat and calls for urgent medical help. He stays beside Tom and tells the call handler that Tom was well that morning. Tom remains confused. Footer: Sudden confusion may be delirium. Get urgent medical help.

A sudden change in someone’s thinking or speech needs urgent medical help, including when you first notice it over the phone. Delirium is one possible cause; other urgent problems can also cause sudden confusion.

Say what has changed and when it began. Give the person’s location and explain whether someone is with them. Call your local emergency number for sudden confusion or a sudden change in speech. Do not leave someone struggling to arrange help alone.

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Comic text

  1. Panel 1. A call from his flatmate.

    • Tom: The door is… I can’t…

  2. Panel 2.

    • Alex: Tom? You’re not making sense.

  3. Panel 3. Alex reaches him and calls for urgent help.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Alex: He’s suddenly confused. He was fine this morning.

Bottom band. Sudden confusion may be delirium. Get urgent medical help.

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Comic B06

She was better this morning

Read comic B06: She was better this morning (image and text)
Eight-panel comic, She was better this morning. Jean, an older white woman in a care home, chats in the morning but becomes confused later. Her daughter explains the afternoon change when staff mention the earlier good spell. She gives its timing. The nurse contacts the clinician, who assesses Jean and asks the family to report further changes promptly. Footer: Delirium changes through the day. Describe the whole pattern.

Delirium can change over the course of a day. A person may have a clear conversation in the morning and be confused or less interested in other people later. A period when someone seems better does not remove the need to report the change you see afterwards.

Tell staff about the whole pattern, including roughly when things changed. If the person becomes more confused, less responsive or otherwise worse, report it promptly. Ask who will review them and how you will be kept informed.

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Comic text

  1. Panel 1. Morning.

    • Jean: Did you see the garden?

  2. Panel 2. Afternoon.

    • Jean: Where is this place?

  3. Panel 3.

    • Nurse: She was chatting this morning.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Moira: This afternoon she’s very different.

  5. Panel 5. Describe the times and the changes.

    • Moira: She became confused after lunch.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Nurse: I’ll contact the clinician about this change.

  7. Panel 7. Another assessment.

  8. Panel 8.

    • Doctor: Please tell us promptly if she changes again.

Bottom band. Delirium changes through the day. Describe the whole pattern.

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Comic B29

A clear answer at last

Read comic B29: A clear answer at last (image and text)
Four-panel comic, A clear answer at last. Megan, a white woman in her sixties, and her brother have heard unfamiliar hospital terms. He asks what her sudden change in thinking is called. The doctor names delirium and explains that illness is affecting her brain’s function. Her brother then asks what the team is checking and treating. Footer: Ask what delirium means for this person, today.

Families sometimes hear several terms for a sudden change in thinking without a clear explanation of what they mean. You can ask staff to name the condition and explain the plan in everyday language.

Delirium affects thinking, attention and awareness, usually developing over hours or days. It needs checks for the problems causing it as well as ongoing care. Ask what is known, what remains uncertain and how you will be updated.

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  1. Panel 1. Megan and Ian have heard several unfamiliar terms.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Ian: What is this sudden change in her thinking called?

  3. Panel 3.

    • Doctor: It’s delirium. Illness is affecting how her brain is working.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Ian: What are you checking and treating?

Bottom band. Ask what delirium means for this person, today.

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Comic B39

The nurse noticed first

Read comic B39: The nurse noticed first (image and text)
Six-panel comic, The nurse noticed first. Pearl, an older Black woman with dementia, is usually interested in her daughter’s visits. Today she is withdrawn and inattentive. Her daughter wonders if this is just a quiet day. The nurse recognises a change, asks about Pearl’s usual self and arranges delirium assessment. Family and staff share their observations. Footer: Quiet delirium can be easy to miss. A change deserves attention.

Good delirium care includes noticing small changes. A nurse may recognise that someone is quieter, slower or less able to pay attention before the family realises there is a problem.

Staff and relatives can share what they have noticed to help explain the change. This is especially important when a person already has dementia. A person can be quiet and still have delirium or feel distressed. A new change needs a check by a doctor or nurse, even when there is no shouting, restlessness or obvious upset.

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  1. Panel 1. Pearl has dementia, but usually enjoys Natalie’s visits.

  2. Panel 2. Today she is unusually withdrawn and inattentive.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Natalie: Perhaps she’s just having a quiet day.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Nurse: This is different. What is she usually like?

  5. Panel 5.

    • Nurse: I’ll arrange assessment for delirium.

  6. Panel 6. Family knowledge and nursing observation come together.

Bottom band. Quiet delirium can be easy to miss. A change deserves attention.

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Comic B40

Too young?

Read comic B40: Too young? (image and text)
Six-panel comic, Too young? Katie, a nineteen-year-old white woman, becomes acutely ill and confused. Her father reports that she is suddenly not making sense. An initial response suggests stress. He explains that the change is new and asks about delirium. A clinician assesses her, identifies serious physical illness and begins treatment, explaining that younger adults can have delirium. Footer: Delirium can affect younger adults too. Sudden confusion needs urgent help.

Delirium is more common in older people, but it can affect younger adults too. A sudden change in thinking, attention or awareness should not be dismissed simply because someone is young.

Explain what has changed and how quickly it happened. Ask for a doctor or nurse to check what is wrong. Delirium is one possible explanation, and other urgent problems can also cause sudden confusion. Recognise the change and get medical help promptly.

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  1. Panel 1. Katie is nineteen. She becomes ill and confused.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Martin: She’s suddenly not making sense.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Nurse: Could she be stressed?

  4. Panel 4.

    • Martin: This is new. Could it be delirium?

  5. Panel 5. The clinician assesses her and finds serious physical illness.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Doctor: Younger adults can have delirium too. We’re treating her illness.

Bottom band. Delirium can affect younger adults too. Sudden confusion needs urgent help.

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Comic B46

Not just sleeping

Read comic B46: Not just sleeping (image and text)
Six-panel comic, Not just sleeping. Phil, a middle-aged white man on a ward, is much less responsive. An initial comment suggests that sleep will help. His wife explains that he is difficult to wake and cannot follow her voice. The nurse comes immediately and the team urgently assesses him. His wife is promised an update. Footer: Unusual sleepiness can be a sign of delirium or another urgent problem.

An unusually sleepy or less responsive person needs attention, especially when this is a new change. Delirium is one possibility, but other serious medical problems can also make the person slower to respond.

Tell staff clearly if someone is difficult to wake or cannot respond as usual. Ask for urgent checks by the team. This is different from an ordinary rest. At home, call your local emergency number if someone becomes suddenly confused or is difficult to wake. Do not wait to see how they are tomorrow.

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  1. Panel 1. Phil is much less responsive than yesterday.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Care assistant: Sleep will help him recover.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Janet: He’s difficult to wake and can’t follow my voice.

  4. Panel 4. The nurse comes immediately.

  5. Panel 5. The team urgently checks what is wrong.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Nurse: We’re assessing him now. We’ll keep you updated.

Bottom band. Unusual sleepiness can be a sign of delirium or another urgent problem.

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Getting help and being heard

6 comics

Comic B01

Please look again

Read comic B01: Please look again (image and text)
Six-panel comic. Yesterday, Ken, a man in his forties, chats with his wife Mei after surgery. Today he looks confused and asks where he is. Mei describes the change to a nurse, who suggests tiredness. Mei asks for a delirium assessment. When the concern remains unresolved, she asks for the nurse in charge. At Ken's bedside, the senior nurse says she will arrange medical assessment now. Cream title: Please look again. Green footer: Concerned about delirium? Ask again if you have not been heard.

If a sudden change in your relative's thinking or behaviour has not been assessed, you can ask again. Say what has changed, when it began, and what they were like before. Use the word delirium.

If you still have no clear response, ask to speak to the nurse in charge and ask who will check the person, and when. You do not need to diagnose the problem yourself. If they are getting worse, ask for urgent help immediately.

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  1. Panel 1. Yesterday, after surgery.

    • Ken: How was your day?

  2. Panel 2. Today.

    • Ken: Where am I?

  3. Panel 3.

    • Mei: Yesterday he was chatting. Now he's confused and can't follow a conversation.
    • Nurse: He's probably tired after surgery.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Mei: This is a sudden change. Could he be assessed for delirium now?

  5. Panel 5. If your concern isn't being addressed, ask again.

    • Mei: Please could I speak to the nurse in charge?

  6. Panel 6.

    • Nurse in charge: I'll arrange a medical assessment now.

Bottom band. Concerned about delirium? Ask again if you have not been heard.

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Comic B17

When words are difficult

Read comic B17: When words are difficult (image and text)
Six-panel comic, When words are difficult. Sami, a young British Arab man, is recovering in intensive care. His sister explains that Arabic is his first language and that his confusion is new. A professional interpreter joins the nurse. They check communication and assess him with language needs in mind. His sister reassures him. All dialogue is shown in English for readers. Footer: Delirium assessment needs communication the person can understand.

A language barrier can make a frightening hospital stay harder. It should not be mistaken for delirium, or prevent a new change being checked by a doctor or nurse.

Tell staff which language the person understands best and how they usually communicate. Ask for a professional interpreter when one is needed. Hearing, vision and illness can also affect communication. Families can share familiar words and reassurance without being expected to replace an interpreter for important conversations about care.

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  1. Panel 1. Sami is recovering in intensive care.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Lina: Arabic is his first language. This confusion is new.

  3. Panel 3. A professional interpreter joins them.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Nurse: Can he hear us clearly?

  5. Panel 5. Assessment takes language and communication into account.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Lina: I’m here, Sami. They’re helping you.

Bottom band. Delirium assessment needs communication the person can understand.

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Comic B30

One more question

Read comic B30: One more question (image and text)
Four-panel comic, One more question. Norman, an older white man, has a delirium care plan in his care home. His daughter asks whom to tell if he changes. The nurse says to contact the nurse on duty straight away if he worsens. His daughter asks who will arrange medical help, and the nurse explains that the nurse on duty will contact the medical team. Footer: Delirium care needs a clear route to help.

A care plan should include clear instructions about whom to contact for help. Before a discussion ends, ask whom to contact about a change, who can arrange a check by a doctor or nurse and how you will hear about the response.

This applies in care homes as well as hospitals. Do not wait for the next routine meeting if someone becomes suddenly more confused, less responsive or otherwise unwell. Tell staff promptly and ask for urgent medical help when needed.

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  1. Panel 1. Norman has a delirium care plan in his care home.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Ruth: Who should I tell if he changes?

  3. Panel 3.

    • Nurse: Tell the nurse on duty straight away if he gets worse.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Ruth: And who will arrange medical help if needed?
    • Nurse: The nurse on duty will contact the medical team.

Bottom band. Delirium care needs a clear route to help.

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Comic B37

She has dementia. This is new.

Read comic B37: She has dementia. This is new. (image and text)
Eight-panel comic, She has dementia. This is new. Sita, an older British Indian woman with dementia, usually recognises her son but suddenly cannot follow him. A nurse attributes this to dementia and initially suggests waiting. Her son gives a specific change from yesterday and persists in asking for delirium assessment. The senior nurse arranges medical review and explains that delirium can occur alongside dementia. Footer: A sudden change with dementia may be delirium. Keep asking for assessment.

“She has dementia” does not explain every new change. Delirium can happen alongside dementia, and a sudden change from the person’s usual pattern needs a doctor or nurse to check what is wrong.

Give a specific before-and-after example. If the concern is not being addressed, ask again and ask to speak to the nurse in charge. You can use the word delirium without having to prove the diagnosis yourself. The team is responsible for checking and responding to the change.

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  1. Panel 1. Despite dementia, Sita usually knows Arun and enjoys a walk.

  2. Panel 2. Today she can barely follow him.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Nurse: That can happen with dementia.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Arun: Yesterday she was talking with me. This is a sudden change.

  5. Panel 5.

    • Nurse: We’ll see how she is later.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Arun: Please could the nurse in charge arrange assessment for delirium?

  7. Panel 7.

    • Senior nurse: I’ll ask for a medical assessment now.

  8. Panel 8.

    • Senior nurse: Delirium can happen alongside dementia.

Bottom band. A sudden change with dementia may be delirium. Keep asking for assessment.

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Comic B38

Still not heard

Read comic B38: Still not heard (image and text)
Eight-panel comic, Still not heard. Huw, an older white man in a nursing home, becomes suddenly confused. His brother reports it but is told he was fine earlier and that the routine review is tomorrow. The brother gives a specific example and asks for the nurse in charge. The senior nurse recognises the need for prompt medical help. Staff stay with Huw while help is arranged. Footer: A sudden change may be delirium. Ask for prompt assessment.

If you are repeatedly told to wait after reporting a sudden change, keep the concern specific. Explain what is different now and ask who will arrange a check by a doctor or nurse, and when.

You can ask for the nurse in charge or the appropriate senior person in that setting. This is about getting a doctor or nurse to check a new medical problem. If the person gets worse suddenly, ask for help now. Do not wait for a routine meeting or for a formal complaint to be dealt with.

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  1. Panel 1. In a nursing home, Huw suddenly cannot follow a conversation.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Glyn: He’s become confused. This is new.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Nurse: He was fine earlier.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Glyn: Now he can’t tell me where he is.

  5. Panel 5.

    • Nurse: The routine review is tomorrow.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Glyn: Please get the nurse in charge. He needs assessment now.

  7. Panel 7.

    • Senior nurse: A sudden change needs prompt medical help.

  8. Panel 8. Help is arranged while staff stay with him.

Bottom band. A sudden change may be delirium. Ask for prompt assessment.

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Comic B48

We need another explanation

Read comic B48: We need another explanation (image and text)
Six-panel comic, We need another explanation. Arthur, an older white man, and his daughter struggle to follow a hospital explanation. She asks for the main point in simpler words. The doctor names delirium, explains the search for causes and treatment, and confirms that confusion may take longer to clear. Continued review and updates are arranged. Footer: Ask for delirium to be explained in words you understand.

It is reasonable to ask for an explanation again, or in different words. Stress, tiredness and unfamiliar medical language can make a difficult conversation harder to follow.

Ask what delirium means for this person, what the team is checking and treating, and when you will hear more. Saying the plan back in your own words can show whether you have misunderstood anything. Good communication includes taking time to explain, rather than assuming that silence means understanding.

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Comic text

  1. Panel 1. The explanation is hard to follow.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Rose: Could you explain the main point in simpler words?

  3. Panel 3.

    • Doctor: He has delirium. His thinking has changed because he is unwell.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Doctor: We’re checking the causes and treating the problems we find.

  5. Panel 5.

    • Rose: So the confusion may take longer to clear?

  6. Panel 6.

    • Doctor: Yes. We’ll keep reviewing him and update you.

Bottom band. Ask for delirium to be explained in words you understand.

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Care and causes

16 comics

Comic A05

Glasses, hearing aids, teeth, water

Read comic A05: Glasses, hearing aids, teeth, water (image and text)
Four-panel comic. Mum cannot see clearly without her glasses and her hearing aid is nearby. Karen helps with both and Mum recognises her. After checking with staff that a drink is safe, Karen offers a sip. Mum later sits up with her glasses, meal and water. Bottom line: Delirium care is individual: glasses, hearing aids, teeth and safe hydration.

Glasses, hearing aids and dentures can help a person with delirium make sense of what is around them. Check that they are available, working and comfortable.

Drinking may also help when the person has too little fluid in their body, but first check with staff that drinks are safe and appropriate. Some people have swallowing difficulties or need their fluids limited. Offer rather than force, and follow the person’s care plan.

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Comic text

  1. Panel 1. Small things make a big difference.

    • Mum: Who is it?

  2. Panel 2.

    • Karen: There. Can you see me now, Mum?
    • Mum: Oh, that’s better. It’s you.

  3. Panel 3. Not drinking enough can contribute to delirium. Check with staff that drinks are safe and appropriate.

    • Karen: Staff say a sip is safe. Would you like one?

  4. Panel 4. Glasses on, hearing aids in, teeth in, and drinks within reach when safe.

Bottom band. Delirium care is individual: glasses, hearing aids, teeth and safe hydration.

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Comic B03

Several things at once

Read comic B03: Several things at once (image and text)
Eight-panel comic, Several things at once. Patrick, an older white man, is being treated for a chest infection but remains confused. His son asks about other causes. The doctor discusses reviewing pain and medicines; the nurse mentions constipation and poor intake. His son helps him use his glasses. The team explains that several problems may need treating together, then returns to review him. Footer: Delirium often has more than one cause.

Finding one cause of delirium does not always explain everything. Infection, pain, medicines, difficulty passing stools and eating or drinking too little may contribute together.

If your relative remains confused, ask what the team is treating and what else has been checked. Share what you know about their usual medicines, eating, drinking and daily routine. Treatment and everyday care continue together, with further review as the person’s condition changes.

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Comic text

  1. Panel 1. Treatment has started.

    • Doctor: We’re treating the chest infection.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Liam: Dad still seems very confused.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Liam: Could anything else be contributing?

  4. Panel 4.

    • Doctor: We’ll review his pain and medicines too.

  5. Panel 5.

    • Nurse: He’s constipated and hasn’t been drinking much.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Liam: These are his glasses.

  7. Panel 7.

    • Doctor: There may be several things to treat together.

  8. Panel 8. The next review.

    • Nurse: Let’s check what has changed.

Bottom band. Delirium often has more than one cause.

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Comic B04

The person in this bed

Read comic B04: The person in this bed (image and text)
Six-panel comic, The person in this bed. Anita, a middle-aged British Indian woman, is awake in intensive care with a breathing tube and cannot speak. Her husband notices fear. The nurse introduces herself at eye level, explains that she will help Anita change position, and pauses for a response. Her husband gently explains that staff are helping her get comfortable. Anita remains unwell. Footer: With delirium, keep explaining what is happening.

When someone has delirium, ordinary care may feel unfamiliar or frightening. Being unable to speak can make it harder to ask what is happening.

A short explanation, given directly to the person, can help. Staff can introduce themselves, explain the next step and allow time for a response. Families can share what usually helps communication. Keep including the person, even when their answers are limited or they cannot use words.

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Comic text

  1. Panel 1. Anita cannot speak around her breathing tube.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Raj: She looks frightened.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Nurse: Hello Anita. I’m your nurse.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Nurse: I’m going to help you change position.

  5. Panel 5. A pause to let her respond.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Raj: They’re helping you get comfortable. I’m here.

Bottom band. With delirium, keep explaining what is happening.

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Comic B07

A check without speaking

Read comic B07: A check without speaking (image and text)
Six-panel comic, A check without speaking. Kojo, a young Black man, is awake in intensive care with a breathing tube. His partner asks how delirium can be assessed without speech. The nurse explains that some checks use non-verbal responses and checks his attention. She says the whole assessment matters. His partner asks what it showed and what happens next. Kojo has no speech bubbles. Footer: Intensive care teams can check for delirium without speech.

A breathing tube can stop someone speaking, but it does not prevent every assessment of delirium. Intensive care teams can use checks that do not need spoken answers when the person is awake enough.

You can ask what assessment was used, what it showed and what the team will do next. Information about the person’s usual thinking and communication is useful too. Being deeply sedated (made very sleepy by medicines) or in a coma (unconscious) is not the same as having delirium.

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Comic text

  1. Panel 1. Kojo is awake, but cannot speak.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Emma: How can you check for delirium if he can’t talk?

  3. Panel 3.

    • Nurse: We can use checks that don’t need spoken answers.

  4. Panel 4. The nurse checks his attention.

  5. Panel 5.

    • Nurse: We consider the whole assessment.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Emma: What did it show, and what happens next?

Bottom band. Intensive care teams can check for delirium without speech.

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Comic B08

Before the next sip

Read comic B08: Before the next sip (image and text)
Six-panel comic, Before the next sip. Beth offers her older father Gareth a drink while he sits upright in bed. He coughs and looks sleepier. She puts the cup down and calls the nurse, describing both changes. The nurse checks him promptly and explains that staff will check what is safe before more is offered. No food or fluid is forced. Footer: Delirium care includes checking that swallowing is safe.

Delirium and the illness causing it can affect alertness and the ability to swallow safely. If your relative coughs with a drink, struggles to swallow or becomes much sleepier, stop offering that drink and tell staff promptly.

Ask how you can safely help with eating and drinking. The plan should fit the person’s current condition and may need to change. Do not force food or drink when someone cannot manage it.

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Comic text

  1. Panel 1. At the bedside.

  2. Panel 2. He coughs and becomes sleepier.

  3. Panel 3. Beth stops offering the drink.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Beth: He coughed with that sip, and he’s much sleepier.

  5. Panel 5. The nurse checks him promptly.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Nurse: We’ll check what’s safe before offering more.

Bottom band. Delirium care includes checking that swallowing is safe.

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Comic B10

Before the operation

Read comic B10: Before the operation (image and text)
Six-panel comic, Before the operation. Lucia, a British Mexican woman aged about sixty, attends a pre-operative appointment with her partner. She tells the doctor about previous frightening delirium. The doctor takes this seriously, reviews medicines and usual needs, and explains a plan to reduce the risk. Her partner says they will report any sudden change. Footer: Previous delirium belongs in the plan before surgery.

If you have had delirium before, tell the team before having an operation or going into hospital. Explain what happened and what you remember, including any distress.

Ask about the plan to reduce the risk, including medicines, pain relief, movement, sleep, glasses and hearing aids where needed. Prevention cannot guarantee that delirium will not happen. Knowing your usual abilities and recognising a new change promptly remain important parts of care.

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Comic text

  1. Panel 1. Before a planned operation.

    • Lucia: I had delirium last time.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Lucia: I was confused and very frightened.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Doctor: That’s important for us to know.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Doctor: Let’s check your medicines and usual needs.

  5. Panel 5.

    • Doctor: We’ll plan care to reduce the risk.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Elena: And we’ll tell staff about any sudden change.

Bottom band. Previous delirium belongs in the plan before surgery.

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Comic B11

What is the medicine for?

Read comic B11: What is the medicine for? (image and text)
Four-panel comic, What is the medicine for? A doctor discusses a possible medicine with Alison, an older white woman with delirium, and her daughter Kate. Kate asks what symptom it is meant to help. The doctor offers to discuss benefits, risks and other options. Kate asks when it will be reviewed. No drug or dose is named. Footer: If a medicine is suggested, ask what it is for and when it will be reviewed.

There are different reasons why medicines may be used when someone has delirium. A medicine may treat a cause of delirium, relieve pain, or be considered for particular distressing symptoms. Those are different aims.

Ask what the medicine is for, what benefit is expected, what the risks are for this person and when it will be reviewed. It is reasonable to ask about other ways of helping too. Changes should be agreed with the treating team.

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  1. Panel 1. A medicine is being considered.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Kate: What is it meant to help with?

  3. Panel 3.

    • Doctor: Let’s discuss the benefits, risks and other options.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Kate: And when will it be reviewed?

Bottom band. If a medicine is suggested, ask what it is for and when it will be reviewed.

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Comic B12

The chair beside the bed

Read comic B12: The chair beside the bed (image and text)
Six-panel comic, The chair beside the bed. Sarah has spent hours beside her husband Mark, a middle-aged white man with delirium in intensive care. She worries about leaving. The nurse explains that care will continue and they will keep her informed. Mark’s brother offers to visit later. Sarah leaves to rest while the nurse stays with Mark. Footer: Delirium care continues when you need a break.

Being beside someone with delirium can be exhausting, especially during a long intensive care stay. You may feel guilty about leaving, even to eat or sleep.

Ask the team how they will keep you informed and how you can manage visits. Other relatives may be able to share visits, but not every family has that option. Taking a break does not mean you have stopped caring. Your relative’s care remains the team’s responsibility.

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  1. Panel 1. Another long visit in intensive care.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Nurse: Have you had anything to eat?

  3. Panel 3.

    • Sarah: I’m afraid to leave him while he’s like this.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Nurse: We’ll keep caring for him and let you know about changes.

  5. Panel 5.

    • David: I can visit later. Go and rest.

  6. Panel 6. Sarah takes a break. His care continues.

Bottom band. Delirium care continues when you need a break.

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Comic B13

He knows this routine

Read comic B13: He knows this routine (image and text)
Eight-panel comic, He knows this routine. Aziz, an older British Pakistani man with dementia, usually follows a familiar dressing routine. During a new illness he becomes confused and pulls back from care. His daughter describes the change and explains that one short step at a time helps. The doctor plans assessment, and the nurse adapts her approach. Aziz accepts help with a cardigan, though confusion remains. Footer: Delirium with dementia still needs a search for new causes.

Delirium can occur in someone who already has dementia. A change from their usual abilities or behaviour still needs a doctor or nurse to check what is wrong.

Families often know small things that help: a familiar phrase, a slower pace, the order of a routine, or how the person shows pain. Share that knowledge with staff. It can help make care easier to understand while the team looks for and treats the new problems. A doctor or nurse still needs to check the person.

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  1. Panel 1. Aziz has dementia. This routine is familiar.

  2. Panel 2. A new illness. A sudden change.

    • Aziz: Leave me alone.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Farah: He could follow this yesterday. Today he can’t.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Doctor: We’ll assess the change and check for discomfort.

  5. Panel 5.

    • Farah: One short step at a time usually helps.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Nurse: Aziz, shall we put your cardigan on?

  7. Panel 7. A slower approach helps with this task.

  8. Panel 8.

    • Nurse: Please tell us what else usually helps.

Bottom band. Delirium with dementia still needs a search for new causes.

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Comic B14

A room that feels unsafe

Read comic B14: A room that feels unsafe (image and text)
Eight-panel comic, A room that feels unsafe. Fiona, a middle-aged white woman in intensive care, hears an unfamiliar pump and fears someone is trying to hurt her. Her partner listens and acknowledges that she is frightened. The nurse explains the pump. They reduce avoidable noise and stay with her. No threatening figures are shown as real. Fiona remains unwell but can tell them about her fear. Footer: Delirium can make ordinary care feel frightening.

During delirium, a person may feel threatened by care that is intended to help them. The fear can feel completely real.

Listen to what they are experiencing and tell staff about their distress. A calm explanation and reassurance may help, while staff check for causes and provide treatment. Arguing is often unhelpful. At the same time, a concern about actual harm must still be taken seriously; having delirium does not mean that every report should be dismissed.

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  1. Panel 1. After the breathing tube is removed.

  2. Panel 2. An unfamiliar sound.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Fiona: They’re trying to hurt me.

  4. Panel 4. Owen pauses.

  5. Panel 5.

    • Owen: That sounds frightening. I’m here with you.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Nurse: This pump is giving your medicine. I’ll explain it.

  7. Panel 7. Less noise. A calm explanation.

  8. Panel 8.

    • Owen: You can tell us when you feel frightened.

Bottom band. Delirium can make ordinary care feel frightening.

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Comic B18

The hospital bag

Read comic B18: The hospital bag (image and text)
Six-panel comic, The hospital bag. Penny, an older white woman, arrives on a ward. Her glasses remain in her bag and her hearing aid needs a battery. Her husband explains that she uses both daily. The nurse helps check them. Wearing her glasses, Penny says she can hear better now. The hearing aid is not visible behind her hair in the final panel. Footer: Glasses and hearing aids belong in everyday delirium care.

Glasses and hearing aids are easy to overlook when someone goes into hospital. Having them in a bag is not the same as being able to use them.

Tell staff what the person normally needs, check that aids are available and working, and ask for help if something is missing. Seeing and hearing more clearly help the person communicate and are part of delirium prevention and care. They are useful measures, but they do not replace staff checking and treating the illness.

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  1. Panel 1. Penny arrives with her hospital bag.

  2. Panel 2. Her glasses are still inside it.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Rob: Her hearing aid needs a new battery.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Rob: She normally uses both every day.

  5. Panel 5. The nurse helps check that they are working.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Penny: I can hear you better now.

Bottom band. Glasses and hearing aids belong in everyday delirium care.

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Comic B27

Different after the move

Read comic B27: Different after the move (image and text)
Six-panel comic, Different after the move. Ed, a young white man, moves from intensive care to a ward because his physical condition has improved. He remains confused about where he is. His partner tells the new nurse about his delirium and usual abilities. The team checks the handover and his condition. The nurse introduces herself and explains the plan. Footer: Delirium may continue after intensive care ends.

Leaving intensive care does not necessarily mean delirium has ended. A new ward may also feel unfamiliar.

Tell the new team about the delirium, the person’s usual abilities and what has helped communication or comfort. Ask whether the new team has received that information. Continuing confusion needs care, and any new worsening needs a prompt check by a doctor or nurse. A calm introduction and a clear explanation of the next stage can help.

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Comic text

  1. Panel 1. Ed moves out of intensive care.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Nurse: His physical condition has improved.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Ed: Where have you brought me?

  4. Panel 4.

    • Lucy: He’s had delirium. This still isn’t his usual self.

  5. Panel 5. The new team reviews his condition and handover.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Nurse: Ed, I’m your nurse on this ward. I’ll explain our plan.

Bottom band. Delirium may continue after intensive care ends.

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Comic B33

The tablets missing from the list

Read comic B33: The tablets missing from the list (image and text)
Eight-panel comic, The tablets missing from the list. Sandra, a white woman in her sixties, becomes confused after hospital admission. Her daughter reports the change and asks about a usual night-time medicine. A pharmacist finds that a regular medicine was omitted. The doctor explains that withdrawal can cause delirium and says they will treat it. The pharmacist discusses accurate medicine recording. Footer: Sudden withdrawal from some medicines can cause delirium.

Stopping some prescribed medicines suddenly can cause serious withdrawal symptoms. These happen because the body has become used to the medicine. In this story, a regularly taken benzodiazepine, a type of medicine used for anxiety or sleep, was accidentally missed out when the person went into hospital.

An accurate medicines list and information from the family help the team identify the problem. Tell staff about regular medicines and recent changes. If sudden confusion develops, seek urgent medical help. Do not stop or restart medicines yourself to treat the confusion.

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Comic text

  1. Panel 1. Sandra takes a prescribed medicine every night.

  2. Panel 2. After admission, she becomes confused and frightened.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Holly: This is a sudden change.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Doctor: We’ll assess her for delirium and look for causes.

  5. Panel 5.

    • Holly: Has she had her usual night-time tablet?

  6. Panel 6.

    • Pharmacist: A regular medicine was missed from the list.

  7. Panel 7.

    • Doctor: Sudden withdrawal can cause delirium. We’ll treat it.

  8. Panel 8.

    • Pharmacist: Let’s make sure her medicines are recorded correctly.

Bottom band. Sudden withdrawal from some medicines can cause delirium.

Link to this comic

Comic B34

I thought stopping would help

Read comic B34: I thought stopping would help (image and text)
Six-panel comic, I thought stopping would help. Ross stops a benzodiazepine he takes regularly for anxiety. Shaking and little sleep are followed by sudden confusion. His partner calls for urgent help and explains the medicine change. A doctor says the timing suggests withdrawal delirium, treats him urgently and checks other causes. Later changes are planned with clinical support. Footer: Sudden confusion after stopping medicines may be delirium. Get urgent help.

Benzodiazepines are medicines that may be used for anxiety or sleep. Stopping one suddenly after regular use can cause dangerous symptoms, including delirium. This can happen with prescribed use; the body becoming used to a medicine is not the same as addiction.

If someone becomes suddenly confused after a medicine change, get urgent medical help and explain what they have taken and when it changed. Do not try to manage delirium at home by adjusting the dose yourself. Planned reductions need advice and further checks suited to the person.

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Comic text

  1. Panel 1.

    • Ross: I thought I could just stop the tablets.

  2. Panel 2. Shaking, little sleep, then sudden confusion.

  3. Panel 3. Jamie calls for urgent medical help.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Jamie: He suddenly stopped a benzodiazepine he takes regularly for anxiety.

  5. Panel 5.

    • Doctor: The timing suggests withdrawal delirium. We’re treating him urgently and checking for other causes.

  6. Panel 6. Later, medicine changes are planned with clinical support.

Bottom band. Sudden confusion after stopping medicines may be delirium. Get urgent help.

Link to this comic

Comic B35

Tell us what he usually drinks

Read comic B35: Tell us what he usually drinks (image and text)
Eight-panel comic, Tell us what he usually drinks. Declan, a middle-aged white man, is admitted with a physical illness. A nurse asks his partner privately about alcohol use and explains that this is for safe care, without judgement. When Declan becomes confused and sees things, she reports it immediately. Staff treat withdrawal delirium and the original illness. Later he helps plan further support. Footer: Alcohol withdrawal can cause delirium. Tell the team what has changed.

Stopping or sharply reducing alcohol after regular heavy drinking can cause withdrawal: symptoms that can include delirium. Alcohol withdrawal delirium needs urgent medical treatment. Staff need accurate information about usual drinking and when it last occurred, including when the person is in hospital with another illness.

It can feel difficult to talk about this. The purpose is safe care, not blame. Report new confusion, seeing or hearing things that are not there, or any other worsening promptly. Do not try to manage withdrawal delirium at home. The person should also be offered appropriate ongoing support when they are able to take part.

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Comic text

  1. Panel 1. Declan is admitted with a physical illness.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Nurse: What does he usually drink, and when was his last drink?

  3. Panel 3.

    • Maureen: I’m embarrassed to say.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Nurse: This helps us plan safe care. We’re not here to judge.

  5. Panel 5. The next day, he becomes confused and sees things.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Maureen: He’s suddenly different. Please come now.

  7. Panel 7. The team treats withdrawal delirium and his other illness.

  8. Panel 8. Later, Declan is included in planning further support.

Bottom band. Alcohol withdrawal can cause delirium. Tell the team what has changed.

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Comic B47

What changed overnight?

Read comic B47: What changed overnight? (image and text)
Eight-panel comic, What changed overnight? Linh, a young British Vietnamese woman, chats after surgery but becomes confused overnight. Her nurse notices and checks promptly. The doctor identifies low oxygen and treatment begins. Pain and medicines are reviewed too. Her partner describes the change. The team continues delirium care and reviews her progress. She improves but still needs care. Footer: Delirium can signal a new problem. Get prompt medical assessment.

A new change after surgery can be a sign of a problem that needs a prompt check by a doctor or nurse. Good care includes noticing that change, checking for causes and keeping the person and their family informed.

In this illustrated story, staff identify low oxygen and also review pain and medicines. Delirium may have several causes, and improvement needs checking over time. Families can add useful information about what the person was like earlier and what seems different now.

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Comic text

  1. Panel 1. After surgery, Linh is chatting.

    • Linh: How was your day?

  2. Panel 2. Overnight, she becomes confused and frightened.

  3. Panel 3. Her nurse notices and checks promptly.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Doctor: Her oxygen level is low. We’re treating that.

  5. Panel 5. Pain and medicines are reviewed too.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Minh: She was following everything earlier.

  7. Panel 7.

    • Nurse: We’ll keep reviewing her delirium and her other needs.

  8. Panel 8. At the next review, she is improving but still needs care.

Bottom band. Delirium can signal a new problem. Get prompt medical assessment.

Link to this comic

When delirium lasts

4 comics

Comic B09

Another week

Read comic B09: Another week (image and text)
Twelve-panel comic, Another week. Eileen, a white woman in her late sixties, develops delirium during an illness. Treatment starts, but she remains confused after one week and then another. Her husband asks why and what needs checking again. Staff review her, continue care and rehabilitation, encourage him to rest, and arrange another update. The story ends with uncertainty and ongoing care. Footer: Persistent delirium needs continuing care and review.

Some delirium episodes last for weeks or months. Families may wait for recovery while trying to manage work and visits when they are exhausted.

If confusion continues, ask the team to check again. Ask what has been treated, what still needs checking and what support or help to regain everyday skills is planned. It is also reasonable to ask for regular updates and help with a visiting plan you can manage. Nobody can promise a recovery date simply because the first illness has improved.

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Comic text

  1. Panel 1. Before the illness.

    • Eileen: Shall we go out?

  2. Panel 2. Illness. Hospital. Delirium.

  3. Panel 3. Treatment begins.

  4. Panel 4. One week later.

    • Eileen: Where are we?

  5. Panel 5.

    • Peter: Why is she still confused?

  6. Panel 6.

    • Doctor: Delirium can last beyond the first illness.

  7. Panel 7. Another week.

  8. Panel 8.

    • Peter: What needs checking again?

  9. Panel 9. The team reviews her.

  10. Panel 10. Care and rehabilitation continue.

  11. Panel 11.

    • Nurse: You need time to rest too.

  12. Panel 12.

    • Doctor: Let’s arrange another update.

Bottom band. Persistent delirium needs continuing care and review.

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Comic B15

The clearer hour

Read comic B15: The clearer hour (image and text)
Ten-panel comic, The clearer hour. Elsie, an older white woman, has had delirium for weeks. She recognises her son one afternoon, but later becomes confused again. Staff explain that improvement can fluctuate. Review and rehabilitation continue. Over further weeks, clear periods last longer and support is planned. Later at home she enjoys a little gardening. This is one possible course of recovery. Footer: Recovery from persistent delirium can take time.

Recovery from delirium that lasts for weeks or months can be slow and uneven. A clearer conversation may be followed by another period of confusion. That can be hard for families who have been waiting for a sign of improvement.

This illustrated story shows one possible course: gradual recovery over weeks, with continued review, care and help to regain everyday skills. Other people recover differently, and some do not recover fully. Ask what has changed and what support is needed now.

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  1. Panel 1. Several weeks of delirium.

  2. Panel 2. Andrew keeps visiting.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Elsie: Andrew! There you are.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Andrew: Is she better now?

  5. Panel 5. Later, the confusion returns.

    • Elsie: Where am I?

  6. Panel 6.

    • Nurse: Improvement can come and go.

  7. Panel 7. Review, care and rehabilitation continue.

  8. Panel 8. Over the following weeks, clearer spells last longer.

  9. Panel 9.

    • Doctor: Let’s plan the support she’ll need.

  10. Panel 10. Later, at home.

    • Elsie: A little gardening today?

Bottom band. Recovery from persistent delirium can take time.

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Comic B21

No better after treatment

Read comic B21: No better after treatment (image and text)
Eight-panel comic, No better after treatment. Victor, an older Chinese British man, remains confused after initial treatment. His daughter asks what has improved. The doctor reviews the illness, medicines, pain and new problems, and plans to seek further advice. Everyday care continues. His daughter asks what remains uncertain, and a further discussion is arranged. Footer: When delirium persists, ask what needs checking again.

When delirium continues, it is reasonable to ask for another explanation of the plan. Has the original illness improved? Could medicines, pain or a new problem be contributing? What has been checked, and what happens next?

When delirium lasts a long time, there is not always an untreated cause that can be put right quickly. Continuing uncertainty still needs clear communication, ongoing care and review. Ask when you will next have an update and whom to contact if the person worsens.

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Comic text

  1. Panel 1. The first treatment is finished. Victor is still confused.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Amy: What has improved, and what hasn’t?

  3. Panel 3.

    • Doctor: We need to review his illness again.

  4. Panel 4. Medicines, pain and new problems are checked.

  5. Panel 5.

    • Doctor: I’ll ask for further advice.

  6. Panel 6. Everyday care continues.

  7. Panel 7.

    • Amy: What remains uncertain?

  8. Panel 8.

    • Doctor: Let’s discuss the findings together tomorrow.

Bottom band. When delirium persists, ask what needs checking again.

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Comic B49

Home is different now

Read comic B49: Home is different now (image and text)
Eight-panel comic, Home is different now. Diane, a white woman in her sixties, improves after prolonged illness and delirium but still needs considerable help. Her son asks about returning to normal. Staff discuss current needs and uncertain recovery, including Diane in decisions. A different living arrangement follows assessment. She misses her old kitchen and chooses to have her photographs nearby. Footer: Life after delirium may need more support, as well as follow-up.

After a prolonged illness with delirium, some people need more help than before. Recovery may be incomplete or uncertain, and a change in living arrangements can bring a real sense of loss.

Planning should include careful assessment, help to regain everyday skills where appropriate and the person’s own wishes and choices. Continuing difficulties are not automatically continuing delirium. Ask what support is needed now and what will be reviewed as time passes. Include the person in everyday choices about their care.

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  1. Panel 1. Diane has had a prolonged illness with delirium.

  2. Panel 2. She improves, but still needs considerable help.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Steven: Will everything go back to normal at home?

  4. Panel 4.

    • Doctor: We need to plan for her needs now. Recovery remains uncertain.

  5. Panel 5.

    • Diane: I want to be part of that discussion.

  6. Panel 6. After assessment, a different living arrangement is agreed.

  7. Panel 7.

    • Diane: I miss my own kitchen.

  8. Panel 8.

    • Diane: I’d like my photographs here.

Bottom band. Life after delirium may need more support, as well as follow-up.

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Recovery and going home

8 comics

Comic B16

Home needs a plan

Read comic B16: Home needs a plan (image and text)
Eight-panel comic, Home needs a plan. Joyce, an older Black woman, is improving but still has delirium. When discharge is discussed, her daughter explains that Joyce lives alone and still needs help. Staff discuss assessing support needs and the available options. Her daughter asks about follow-up and whom to contact. Joyce prepares to move after an agreed plan. Footer: Going home with delirium needs a safe support plan.

Being better than yesterday does not necessarily mean someone can manage safely at home. People may still have delirium, weakness or other care needs when staff discuss going home.

Be clear about what help is actually available and what tasks remain difficult. Ask about checks of what the person can manage, help to regain everyday skills, medicines, further appointments and whom to contact if things worsen. The plan should reflect the person’s needs and the support people can provide, rather than assuming that family members will manage everything.

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Comic text

  1. Panel 1. Joyce is improving, but still has delirium.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Doctor: We’re discussing the next stage of care.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Denise: She lives alone. I can’t be there all day.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Denise: She still needs help getting to the toilet.

  5. Panel 5.

    • Nurse: We need to assess what support is needed.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Doctor: Let’s discuss the available options.

  7. Panel 7.

    • Denise: Who follows her up, and who do we call?

  8. Panel 8. The move follows an agreed support plan.

Bottom band. Going home with delirium needs a safe support plan.

Link to this comic

Comic B19

Please tell me what happened

Read comic B19: Please tell me what happened (image and text)
Eight-panel comic, Please tell me what happened. Tessa, a young woman of mixed Black and White heritage, remembers fragments of intensive care. Her partner offers to talk when she wants. They look back using a diary and information from staff. At follow-up a nurse explains remembered equipment. Tessa asks a question, then chooses to stop for the day. Further support remains available. Footer: After delirium, ask for help understanding what happened.

Memories of delirium and intensive care can be incomplete, very clear or difficult to explain. The person and their family may remember very different things.

Some people find it helpful to talk through the hospital stay, using information from the team or an intensive care diary if one is available. Others are not ready. Go at the person’s pace. If memories, nightmares or anxiety are affecting daily life, ask the family doctor or team seeing the person after hospital about support.

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Comic text

  1. Panel 1. At home, after intensive care.

    • Tessa: I only remember bits of it.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Dan: I remember other things. We can talk when you want.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Tessa: Could we go through a little today?

  4. Panel 4. They use the diary and information from the team.

  5. Panel 5.

    • Nurse: That machine was helping your breathing.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Tessa: There’s still something I don’t understand.

  7. Panel 7.

    • Tessa: That’s enough for today.

  8. Panel 8.

    • Nurse: We can return to it when you’re ready.

Bottom band. After delirium, ask for help understanding what happened.

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Comic B20

A harder recovery

Read comic B20: A harder recovery (image and text)
Ten-panel comic, A harder recovery. Alan, an older white man, is told that his delirium has cleared. At home he tires quickly and struggles with ordinary tasks. He and his wife describe this at follow-up. Staff assess continuing difficulties and begin rehabilitation. Some tasks become easier, while other problems remain and the support plan is reviewed. Footer: After delirium, continuing difficulties deserve follow-up.

Delirium can clear while difficulties with strength, memory, concentration or everyday activities continue. Ask for these problems to be checked, and ask when the person will be seen again. They should not simply be dismissed because the hospital episode is over.

Tell the family doctor or team seeing the person after hospital what has changed and how it affects daily life. Recovery and the help needed to regain everyday skills vary from person to person. A new sudden worsening is different: seek urgent medical help rather than waiting for a planned appointment.

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  1. Panel 1.

    • Doctor: The delirium has cleared.

  2. Panel 2. At home, everyday tasks are harder.

  3. Panel 3.

    • June: You tire so quickly.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Alan: Does this mean I still have delirium?

  5. Panel 5. They describe the problems at follow-up.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Doctor: Let’s assess what is still difficult.

  7. Panel 7. Rehabilitation starts from what Alan can manage.

  8. Panel 8. Some things become easier.

  9. Panel 9. Other difficulties remain.

  10. Panel 10.

    • Doctor: We’ll review the support you need.

Bottom band. After delirium, continuing difficulties deserve follow-up.

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Comic B24

The words she said

Read comic B24: The words she said (image and text)
Six-panel comic, The words she said. After delirium, Frances, a middle-aged white woman, remembers little of intensive care. Her partner remembers upsetting things she said. They recognise that their memories differ. He explains the hurt without blaming her for being ill. A doctor helps explain delirium’s effects. The couple leave space for further conversation rather than instant resolution. Footer: Delirium can leave different memories for each of you.

A person may remember little of delirium, while a relative remembers words or accusations that were painful to hear. Both people may need help to understand what happened.

Understanding that delirium affected the person’s thinking does not automatically remove the hurt. A conversation with the treating team or another appropriate professional may help explain what happened. There is no need to force a discussion before someone is ready, or to pretend that one conversation answers every question.

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  1. Panel 1. After delirium.

    • Frances: I hardly remember intensive care.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Ben: Some things you said stayed with me.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Frances: We remember different parts.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Ben: I know you were ill. I’m still upset by it.

  5. Panel 5.

    • Doctor: Delirium can affect beliefs and behaviour. Let’s talk it through.

  6. Panel 6. They leave room for another conversation.

Bottom band. Delirium can leave different memories for each of you.

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Comic B25

Still waking frightened

Read comic B25: Still waking frightened (image and text)
Four-panel comic, Still waking frightened. Isaac, a young Black man, wakes frightened after a nightmare following intensive care. By day he is tired and says he keeps waking afraid. At an appointment he tells his GP that nightmares affect daily life. She listens and offers to discuss help. No frightening dream imagery is shown. Footer: Distress after delirium deserves help too.

Distressing memories, nightmares and anxiety can continue after delirium. Some people find them difficult to mention, or feel that they should simply be grateful to have survived.

You can ask for help. Tell your family doctor or the team seeing you after hospital what you are experiencing, how often it happens and how it affects sleep or daily life. These symptoms deserve attention. You do not need to wait until you can explain every memory clearly.

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  1. Panel 1. Weeks after intensive care.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Isaac: I keep waking up afraid.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Isaac: The nightmares are affecting my whole day.

  4. Panel 4.

    • GP: Let’s talk about the help you need.

Bottom band. Distress after delirium deserves help too.

Link to this comic

Comic B26

Is this dementia now?

Read comic B26: Is this dementia now? (image and text)
Six-panel comic, Is this dementia now? Jeanette, an older white woman, worries about memory after delirium. Her son asks whether dementia is certain. The doctor says the conditions are different, asks about her memory before illness, and discusses remaining difficulties. They agree assessment and follow-up rather than assuming a diagnosis. Footer: Delirium does not make a dementia diagnosis inevitable.

Delirium and dementia are different conditions, although they can occur together. Having delirium is linked with a higher risk of later problems with memory and thinking, but it does not make a future dementia diagnosis certain.

If memory or thinking difficulties remain, ask for a check by a doctor or nurse and further appointments. Information about the person’s abilities before the illness is useful. A new sudden change needs urgent help; longer-lasting concerns need a careful check by a doctor or nurse rather than assumptions about the diagnosis.

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  1. Panel 1. After delirium, Jeanette worries about her memory.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Simon: Does this mean dementia is certain?

  3. Panel 3.

    • Doctor: No. Delirium and dementia are different conditions.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Doctor: What was your memory like before the illness?

  5. Panel 5. They discuss the difficulties that remain.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Doctor: Let’s assess this and arrange follow-up.

Bottom band. Delirium does not make a dementia diagnosis inevitable.

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Comic B28

What I can manage

Read comic B28: What I can manage (image and text)
Eight-panel comic, What I can manage. Sultana, a middle-aged British Bangladeshi woman, is recovering from delirium. Her partner explains that he works nights and helps another relative. He worries this sounds uncaring. Staff ask what support is actually available, discuss options, and include Sultana in planning. Her partner asks whom to contact if problems arise. Footer: Plan delirium recovery around what support people can realistically provide.

Families may be willing to help after delirium but still be unable to provide all the care a person needs. Work, health, sleep and other caring responsibilities affect what you can do.

Explain what you can realistically do and where more help is needed. That information is part of planning safe care, not evidence that you care less. Ask about available support, alternatives and whom to contact if the plan is not working. Include the person recovering as far as possible.

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  1. Panel 1. Planning the next stage of recovery.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Kamal: I work nights and help another relative too.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Kamal: I don’t want you to think I don’t care.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Kamal: This is the help I can actually provide.

  5. Panel 5.

    • Nurse: We need to know where more support is needed.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Doctor: Let’s discuss the available options together.

  7. Panel 7.

    • Kamal: Who do we contact if the plan isn’t working?

  8. Panel 8. A plan built around their actual needs.

Bottom band. Plan delirium recovery around what support people can realistically provide.

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Comic B44

Still me

Read comic B44: Still me (image and text)
Six-panel comic, Still me. James, a middle-aged man of mixed Black and White heritage, feels ashamed after delirium. His partner listens without making a joke. He asks his GP why he behaved differently. She explains how delirium affected his thinking and perception. James chooses to tell a friend a little when he is ready. Footer: Delirium is an illness. Shame afterwards deserves understanding.

Some people feel embarrassed or ashamed about things they said or did during delirium. They may worry about how others now see them.

Delirium can greatly affect how someone thinks, understands what is happening, and behaves. These experiences deserve understanding, not jokes at the person’s expense. It can help to ask a doctor or nurse to explain what happened. The person can choose what to share, with whom, and when. Ongoing distress is also a reason to ask for support.

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  1. Panel 1. After delirium, James avoids seeing friends.

  2. Panel 2.

    • James: I’m ashamed of what I said when I was ill.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Emma: I’m listening. You don’t have to make it into a joke.

  4. Panel 4.

    • James: Why was I so different?

  5. Panel 5.

    • GP: Delirium affected your thinking and how things seemed to you.

  6. Panel 6.

    • James: I’ll tell my friend a little, when I’m ready.

Bottom band. Delirium is an illness. Shame afterwards deserves understanding.

Link to this comic

End-of-life care and loss

11 comics

Some of these stories include dying and bereavement. They are here because some readers want them. Read them only if and when you feel ready. You can skip this section entirely.

Comic B22A

Months, and no recovery — part 1

This story includes a death after prolonged illness.

Read comic B22A: Months, and no recovery — part 1 (image and text)
Eight-panel comic, Months, and no recovery, part 1. Margaret is well before an infection, hospital admission and delirium. Frightening nights continue after the infection improves. At two weeks she does not recognise her daughter. Visits, work and exhausted nights follow. At four weeks the team reviews her again, while care and rehabilitation continue. Footer: Persistent delirium can continue for weeks despite treatment and care.

Part 1 of 2.

Delirium can continue for weeks even while the original illness improves and care continues. This story follows Margaret and her daughter Helen through the first four weeks.

Families need clear explanations, regular checks by the team and support. Continuing delirium does not mean that treatment or care has stopped.

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  1. Panel 1. Before the illness.

    • Margaret: Tell me your news.

  2. Panel 2. Infection. Hospital. Delirium.

  3. Panel 3. Frightening, unfamiliar nights.

  4. Panel 4. The infection improves. Delirium continues.

  5. Panel 5. Two weeks.

    • Margaret: Who are you?

  6. Panel 6. Visits, work and exhausted nights.

  7. Panel 7. Four weeks. Another review.

  8. Panel 8. Care and rehabilitation continue.

Bottom band. Persistent delirium can continue for weeks despite treatment and care.

Related comic: B22B: Months, and no recovery — part 2

Link to this comic

Comic B22B

Months, and no recovery — part 2

This story includes a death after prolonged illness.

Read comic B22B: Months, and no recovery — part 2 (image and text)
Eight-panel comic, Months, and no recovery, part 2. A brief clearer hour is followed by confusion. At seven weeks Helen asks what recovery remains possible. A new infection and increasing weakness follow. The doctor explains that Margaret may be dying. Helen says Margaret would want family beside her. Comfort care continues. Three months after admission, Margaret dies. Footer: Persistent delirium can be prolonged, and some people do not recover.

Part 2 of 2. This story includes a death after prolonged illness.

Margaret has a brief clearer spell, but her delirium returns. Further illness follows and she becomes weaker despite care. Three months after admission, she dies without fully recovering. This is one possible course of delirium that continues for a long time.

Families need honest explanations, attention to comfort and support throughout. A clearer spell does not guarantee recovery.

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  1. Panel 1. A clearer hour. Then confusion again.

  2. Panel 2. Seven weeks.

    • Helen: What recovery is still possible?

  3. Panel 3. A new infection. More treatment.

  4. Panel 4. She becomes weaker despite care.

  5. Panel 5.

    • Doctor: I’m afraid she may be dying.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Helen: She would want us beside her.

  7. Panel 7. Comfort and care continue.

  8. Panel 8. Three months after admission, Margaret dies.

Bottom band. Persistent delirium can be prolonged, and some people do not recover.

Related comic: B22A: Months, and no recovery — part 1

Link to this comic

Comic B23

What comfort looks like

Includes end-of-life care

Read comic B23: What comfort looks like (image and text)
Eight-panel comic, What comfort looks like. John, a middle-aged white man with advanced cancer and delirium, is in a hospice. His partner reports the change. Staff assess causes and adjust care. John calmly says his brother is there, though no other person is visible. His partner asks about correcting him. The nurse advises a calm response and reporting distress. Comfort is reviewed. Footer: Delirium at the end of life still needs careful assessment and care.

Delirium near the end of life still needs careful assessment by the team and care to keep the person comfortable. Care should take account of the person’s illness, wishes and what is likely to help.

Not every unusual experience is frightening. You do not need to argue about a calm experience, but tell staff about new changes and any signs of distress. A peaceful vision on its own does not mean that the person has delirium. In this story, delirium has already been identified.

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  1. Panel 1. John has advanced cancer and delirium.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Paul: This confusion is new.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Doctor: We’ll check what may be contributing.

  4. Panel 4. Care is adjusted to his needs and wishes.

  5. Panel 5.

    • John: My brother’s here.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Paul: Do I need to correct him?

  7. Panel 7.

    • Nurse: You can stay calm and listen. Tell us if he seems distressed.

  8. Panel 8. Comfort is checked again.

Bottom band. Delirium at the end of life still needs careful assessment and care.

Link to this comic

Comic B31

The shadows in the hospice

Includes end-of-life care

Read comic B31: The shadows in the hospice (image and text)
Eight-panel comic, The shadows in the hospice. Malik, a middle-aged Black man with advanced cancer, becomes newly confused and frightened by shapes he thinks he sees. His wife reports the change. The nurse requests assessment for delirium. The doctor finds that his bladder is not emptying and reviews possible medicine effects. Care begins with comfort in mind and another review planned. No hallucination figures are drawn. Footer: Delirium in a hospice still needs assessment and care.

Delirium can occur in a hospice. Tell staff about a new change in thinking, attention or behaviour, even when someone is already very ill.

In this illustrated story, the team recognises delirium and finds problems that may be contributing to the distress. The team decides what checks and treatment to offer based on Malik’s condition and wishes. The aim includes helping him feel less frightened and more comfortable. The next story follows what happens after the plan is reviewed.

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  1. Panel 1. Malik has advanced cancer and is in a hospice.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Malik: Those shapes… they’re coming towards me.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Yvonne: He became confused today. This is new.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Nurse: This could be delirium. I’ll ask the doctor to assess him.

  5. Panel 5.

    • Doctor: His bladder isn’t emptying properly.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Doctor: Some of his medicines may be contributing too.

  7. Panel 7.

    • Doctor: We’ll treat what we can, with his comfort in mind.

  8. Panel 8. Care begins, with another review planned.

Bottom band. Delirium in a hospice still needs assessment and care.

Related comic: B32: A quieter goodbye

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Comic B32

A quieter goodbye

This story includes a death from advanced cancer.

Read comic B32: A quieter goodbye (image and text)
Six-panel comic, A quieter goodbye, continuing Malik’s hospice story. The team reviews him after treatment and changes to his care. His wife says frightening visions are less frequent. He is calmer and rests. The doctor explains that the advanced cancer is progressing and Malik is dying. Care continues around his wishes and comfort. Later he dies peacefully with his wife beside him and staff supporting her. Footer: Relieving distress caused by delirium is part of care at the end of life.

This story includes a death from advanced cancer.

In the previous hospice story, Malik had frightening hallucinations: seeing or hearing things that are not there. These happen less often after treatment and review. He is calmer, although the cancer continues to get worse. He later dies peacefully.

Easing distress caused by delirium can make an important difference even when a person is dying. This is one possible course, not a promise that symptoms will always settle. People with delirium and their families need continued care, honest explanations and support.

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  1. Panel 1. The next day, the hospice team reviews Malik.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Yvonne: The frightening visions are happening less often.

  3. Panel 3. He is calmer and can rest.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Doctor: The cancer is still progressing. I’m afraid Malik is dying.

  5. Panel 5. Care continues around his wishes and comfort.

  6. Panel 6. Later, Malik dies peacefully, with Yvonne beside him.

Bottom band. Relieving distress caused by delirium is part of care at the end of life.

Related comic: B31: The shadows in the hospice

Link to this comic

Comic B36

When swallowing changes

Includes end-of-life care

Read comic B36: When swallowing changes (image and text)
Six-panel comic, When swallowing changes. Michael, an older white man in a hospice, cannot reliably swallow tablets. His daughter asks about his regular medicines. Staff review the full list and explain that suddenly stopping some medicines can cause withdrawal. The team plans care around his needs and asks the family to report new confusion or distress. No dose or method of giving medicine is shown. Footer: Delirium care includes a plan for regular medicines.

When swallowing becomes difficult near the end of life, regular medicines need review. Simply leaving them out may cause problems. Some, including benzodiazepines taken regularly for anxiety or sleep, can cause dangerous symptoms if stopped suddenly.

Ask the hospice team, or the team helping with comfort and symptoms, what the plan is. They can decide which medicines remain useful and how they should be managed. Do not crush, change or stop tablets without advice. Report new confusion or distress promptly.

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  1. Panel 1. Michael can no longer swallow tablets reliably.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Claire: What happens to the medicines he takes every day?

  3. Panel 3.

    • Nurse: We need to check the whole list.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Doctor: Stopping some medicines suddenly can cause withdrawal.

  5. Panel 5. The team plans medicines around his current needs.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Nurse: Tell us promptly about any new confusion or distress.

Bottom band. Delirium care includes a plan for regular medicines.

Link to this comic

Comic B41

The question we feared

This story includes a death in intensive care.

Read comic B41: The question we feared (image and text)
Eight-panel comic, The question we feared. Rory, a white man in his forties, is critically ill with delirium in intensive care. His wife asks whether he will recover. The doctor explains that he may die, pauses for emotion and answers questions. Further treatment does not reverse the deterioration. The team explains that he is dying and continues comfort care. Rory dies, with his wife supported. Footer: Delirium can occur during life-threatening illness. Families need clear answers.

This story includes a death in intensive care.

Delirium can occur during life-threatening illness, including in younger adults. Some people die despite treatment of the illness and careful attention to delirium and distress.

Families need clear explanations, time for questions and support when the news is difficult. It is possible to be honest about the risk of death while continuing compassionate care. This illustrated story is one possible outcome, not a prediction for another person.

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  1. Panel 1. Rory is critically ill and has delirium.

  2. Panel 2. The team treats his illness and responds to distress.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Nell: Is he going to recover?

  4. Panel 4.

    • Doctor: He is very seriously ill. I’m worried he may die.

  5. Panel 5. Time for silence, then questions.

  6. Panel 6. Despite further treatment, Rory deteriorates.

  7. Panel 7.

    • Doctor: He is dying. We will continue to care for him and keep him comfortable.

  8. Panel 8. Rory dies. Nell is supported by the team.

Bottom band. Delirium can occur during life-threatening illness. Families need clear answers.

Related comic: B42: After the funeral

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Comic B42

After the funeral

This story is about grief after a death in intensive care.

Read comic B42: After the funeral (image and text)
Six-panel comic, After the funeral. Nell, the wife from the preceding ICU story, wonders whether Rory knew she was there before he died. She asks the hospital team for a follow-up conversation. The doctor explains what is known and acknowledges uncertainty about his experience. Bereavement support is offered. Nell returns home with some questions answered, while grief remains. Footer: Questions about delirium can remain after a death. You can ask for support.

This story is about grief after a death in intensive care.

Questions about delirium may remain after someone has died. Families may wonder what the person experienced, whether they recognised them, or why the confusion continued.

You can ask the treating team for an explanation of the hospital stay. They may be able to explain some things and say what they cannot know. Support after a death may also help. There is no obligation to have every question answered, or to feel better after one conversation.

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  1. Panel 1. After Rory’s funeral, Nell still has questions.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Nell: Did he know I was there?

  3. Panel 3. She asks the hospital team for a conversation.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Doctor: We can explain what happened. Some things we cannot know for certain.

  5. Panel 5.

    • Doctor: Would information about bereavement support be helpful?

  6. Panel 6. Some questions are answered. Grief remains.

Bottom band. Questions about delirium can remain after a death. You can ask for support.

Related comic: B41: The question we feared

Link to this comic

Comic B43

Another review in the hospice

Includes end-of-life care

Read comic B43: Another review in the hospice (image and text)
Eight-panel comic, Another review in the hospice. Zahra, an older British Pakistani woman with advanced cancer and delirium, remains frightened. Her daughter says the first plan has not helped enough. Nurse and doctor reassess discomfort, causes and medicines, and plan to seek specialist advice. Some distress eases but symptoms return. The nurse continues to listen and review. Footer: Distress with delirium deserves review when the first plan has not helped.

Distress caused by delirium does not always settle with the first approach. If someone remains frightened or uncomfortable, tell the team what you are seeing and ask the team to check again.

In a hospice, this may include another look at discomfort, possible causes and medicines, with specialist advice when needed. Care should reflect the person’s condition and wishes. Some symptoms may ease while others continue. People with delirium and their families still deserve attention, explanations and support throughout.

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  1. Panel 1. Zahra has advanced cancer and delirium.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Maryam: She’s still very frightened. The first plan hasn’t helped enough.

  3. Panel 3. The nurse checks discomfort and immediate needs.

  4. Panel 4. The doctor reviews causes and medicines again.

  5. Panel 5.

    • Maryam: Being comfortable matters most to her.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Doctor: We’ll get specialist advice and revise the plan.

  7. Panel 7. Some distress eases. Symptoms still return.

  8. Panel 8.

    • Nurse: Keep telling us what you notice. We’ll review her again.

Bottom band. Distress with delirium deserves review when the first plan has not helped.

Link to this comic

Comic B45

The familiar song

Includes end-of-life care

Read comic B45: The familiar song (image and text)
Four-panel comic, The familiar song. Winnie, an older white woman, has delirium while dying from advanced heart failure in a hospice. Her granddaughter asks about singing a familiar song. She sings softly while the nurse checks comfort. Winnie seems more settled for a while, with care continuing. No lyrics are printed and no cure is implied. Footer: During delirium, offer familiar comfort and watch the response.

A person with delirium may find a familiar voice, song or quiet presence comforting, including near the end of life, but people respond differently.

Check with the person and staff where possible, watch the response and stop if it seems unwelcome or tiring. Comforting contact is one part of care. It does not replace treatment or mean that delirium has ended. Families can help without having to make every moment better.

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  1. Panel 1. Winnie has delirium while dying from advanced heart failure.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Anna: Would a song she knows be welcome?

  3. Panel 3. Anna sings softly and watches Winnie’s response.

  4. Panel 4. A quieter moment. Care continues.

Bottom band. During delirium, offer familiar comfort and watch the response.

Link to this comic

Comic B50

Not the ending we hoped for

This story includes death and grief.

Read comic B50: Not the ending we hoped for (image and text)
Eight-panel comic, Not the ending we hoped for. Bernard, an older white man, develops delirium during serious illness. Weeks of treatment and complications follow. His daughter shares visits and takes breaks. He deteriorates and dies, with comfort care continuing. Afterwards she worries about missed visits. A clinician explains that needing rest did not mean she failed him. She remembers her father before illness, while grief remains. Footer: After delirium and loss, families need support too.

This story includes death and grief.

A prolonged illness with delirium can leave families exhausted. After a death, some think repeatedly about the visits they missed or the things they wish they had said.

Needing sleep, work or help with visiting does not mean a family has failed. Questions about the illness and care deserve a response, including concerns that something was missed. Support may help, but people grieve for different lengths of time and do not have to feel better after one conversation.

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  1. Panel 1. Bernard develops delirium during a serious illness.

  2. Panel 2. Weeks pass, with treatment and further complications.

  3. Panel 3. Eliza shares visits and takes needed breaks.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Doctor: He is getting worse. I’m afraid he is dying.

  5. Panel 5. Care for comfort and distress continues.

  6. Panel 6. After his death.

    • Eliza: I keep thinking about the visits I missed.

  7. Panel 7.

    • Doctor: Needing rest did not mean you failed him.

  8. Panel 8. She remembers his life before the illness. Grief remains.

Bottom band. After delirium and loss, families need support too.

Link to this comic