Oasis of calm for patients with delirium
Published: 27 Oct 2017
In April 2017, the National University Hospital set up a Silver Unit – a six-bed unit officially called the specialised innovative longevity elderly recovery unit – to cater to elderly patients with delirium.
Its staff try not to use restraints as far as possible, which is not always easy as such patients can be confused and easily agitated. “In the past, some of the patients were restrained, or they would try to abscond (from the ward),” said Associate Professor Reshma Merchant, head of NUH’s geriatric medicine division. “It was a conscious effort to say: ‘What can we do to not use restraints?”
Apart from the peaceful environment, the Silver Unit ensures that night and day are clearly defined for patients, many of whom experience sleep-wake reversal – sleeping in the day, but become active at night. The Silver Unit also wraps nursing activities before 10pm so that patients can get a good rest.
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