Publication
Title
Delirium in home care : a case report
Author
Abstract
Delirium is a challenging medical problem, particularly in the home care setting, and greatly affects both patients and family caregivers. When delirium is not immediately detected and effectively managed, various outcomes are adversely affected. This report describes delirium in an older home-bound man and offers strategies for detecting and managing delirium in a home care setting. The patient is a frail 86-year-old man with multiple medical comorbidities and functional decline after bronchitis that was diagnosed by a general practitioner. Following the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of bronchitis, the patient suffered a major decline in cognitive and physical functioning during normal daily activities. Medical screening revealed confusion, apathy, and extreme fatigue. Using the assessment tool of the Functional Independence Measures and Delirium Observation Screening Scale (DOSS), the presence of functional decline and delirious symptoms were found. Through multidisciplinary collaboration, a treatment plan was initiated. It consisted of hydration following a fixed schedule, adapted nutrition, a temporary adapted medication schedule for pre-diabetes, and an exercise plan. No specific pharmaceuticals were given. The patient made a full recovery over time. All professional and informal caregivers should be aware of the potential presence of delirium when an older patient with a deteriorating physical or mental condition presents itself. Good diagnostics for delirium and possible underlying diseases are necessary. Adequate treatment, with the help of paramedics such as dieticians, physiotherapists, etc. must be provided when necessary.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Cur_us
Publication
2023
ISSN
2168-8184
DOI
10.7759/CUREUS.47094
Volume/pages
15 :10 (2023)
Article Reference
e47094
ISI
001098996700005
Pubmed ID
38021756
Medium
E-only publicatie
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 16.10.2023
Last edited 25.04.2024
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