PRINCIPLE 3: Assessment of older people with confusion

Older people who are confused will be assessed. The cause of their confusion will be investigated to determine the appropriate management.

Patient assessment criteria

When to assess patients

Patients need to be assessed for the cause of their confusion on admission, and when there is:

• any sudden change in the older person’s condition (including behaviour and cognition changes)
• a sudden decline in the person’s ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs)
• a carer or family member who expresses concern.