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Resources for staff

Page last reviewed: July 2026

Ready-to-use PDFs for patients, families and carers, with editable Word documents further down if you want to add local information.

PDFs to print and share

These are ready to use with patients, families and carers. Download a PDF and print it as it is, or share it by email. Each guide is one A4 page and prints clearly in colour or black and white.

What is delirium?What delirium is, common signs, causes and treatment.Download PDF Delirium action guideWhat to notice, who to contact and when to seek emergency help.Download PDF Telling the teamA sheet families can write on and bring to staff.Download PDF Raising concerns with staffSuggested words for families who are worried.Download PDF Helping at the bedsidePractical ways families can help.Download PDF Delirium or dementia?The differences at a glance.Download PDF Ward poster with QR codeFor ward and waiting areas. The QR code takes families and carers to the main explanation.Download PDF

Editable Word documents

The PDFs above are ready to use. Choose a Word version only if you want to add local contact details or your organisation’s logo, or adapt the wording for your service.

Free to print, share and adapt under CC BY 4.0. If you adapt a Word document, please keep the Delirium Support credit and link, and note any changes.

Useful links for staff

A short list for learning, assessment and practical guidance.

Learning and tools
Guidance
Specialist resources

Links checked: 26 July 2026.

Delirium Support

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ORCID 0000-0003-3159-9370 · University of Edinburgh profile · the4at.com

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Support helplines in the UK: Dementia UK 0800 888 6678 · Alzheimer’s Society 0333 150 3456 · Age UK 0800 678 1602 · Carers UK 0808 808 7777. The 0800 and 0808 numbers are free to call; the 0333 number is charged at the standard rate. Outside the UK, contact an equivalent dementia, older people’s or carers’ organisation in your country. These helplines are not emergency services.

Delirium Support is an independent educational website. It is not an official NHS or University of Edinburgh site, and neither organisation is responsible for its content. It gives general information about delirium for education. It is not medical advice about an individual, and it is not a substitute for the clinicians looking after your relative. New sudden confusion needs medical assessment now. Contact the urgent or emergency medical service where the person is. In England, call 999 or go to A&E. In Scotland, contact the GP urgently if open; otherwise phone NHS 24 on 111. Outside the UK, follow local health-service guidance. If the person is hard to wake, struggling to breathe, has signs of a stroke, has a seizure or head injury, or is deteriorating rapidly, call the local emergency number immediately (999 in the UK). Do not wait to see if it settles.

© 2026 Alasdair MacLullich · Content licensed under CC BY 4.0 · Delirium or dementia? · Raising concerns · Downloads · For staff · Resources · About · Editorial policy · Accessibility · Privacy · Cookie settings · Contact · Pages last reviewed July 2026.