Skip to content
DeliriumSupportGet help now
MenuClose
Get help now

Home / Stories / Story B04

The person in this bed

Illustrated Story B04, with a text transcript.

Read story B04: The person in this bed (image and text)
Six-panel illustrated story, 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 can’t use words.

Open full-size story

Story 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.

Back to all Stories