Confusion in the first days after an operation is usually delirium. It is common, and it often improves as the person recovers from the surgery.
Delirium after surgery is called post-operative delirium. It usually starts a day or two after the operation.
Delirium is common after surgery. It is more common after emergency surgery, such as an operation for a broken hip.
Why it happens
Usually more than one thing is involved: the strain of the operation itself, medicines used during the operation, pain, painkillers such as morphine, infection, dehydration, constipation, low oxygen levels and broken sleep. The team should work through that list and treat whatever they find.
What you can do
Bring her glasses and hearing aids. Sit with her and talk about ordinary things. Help with food and drink if staff say it is safe.
And tell the staff how she is compared with her normal self. You may notice changes that staff have not seen. There is more about how families can help.
If nobody has used the word delirium and something seems wrong to you, say what you have noticed and ask: could it be delirium?
How long it lasts
Most post-operative delirium settles over days as the causes are treated. In some people it takes weeks. That is more likely in older people who already had less strength and found it harder to recover from illness.
If it is not clearing, ask the team what causes they have found, and what they are still looking for.
When to get help
Delirium (acute confusion) is a medical emergency. Outside a care setting, call local emergency services now. In a hospital, care home or nursing home, tell staff immediately. Say what has changed and ask whether it could be delirium.