Delirium – Clinical Guidelines

For Health Care Professionals

Find clinical tools and resources to support your patients or clients.

Learn More

For Older Adults & Care Partners

Explore ways to support mental health and well-being for yourself and loved ones.

Learn More
A cover for the Delirium Clinical Guidelines that features photos of older adults with cyan blue checkerboard pattern

Canadian Clinical Guidelines on Delirium Older Adults

Delirium can be caused by a number of factors, including but not limited to: infections, recent surgery, starting or increasing the dose of certain medications, not eating well or drinking enough water.

Sometimes, delirium is misdiagnosed as dementia or depression. It can often be prevented or treated.

CCSMH has developed best-practice clinical guidelines to support health care professionals when working with older adults who are experiencing delirium.

Download the Delirium Clinical Guidelines updates (2014)
The cover for the National Guidelines for Delirium in older adults cover with a blue colour and granite-style pattern overlay.

National Guidelines for Delirium (2006). The 2014 updates to these guidelines can be found above.

Download the 2006 Delirium Clinical Guidelines
Cover for the Guideline on the Assessment and Treatment of Delirium with a soft image of a caretaker holding the hand of an older adult.

Guidelines on assessment and treatment of delirium at the end of life.

Download the Guidelines for Delirium at End of Life (2010)