**7.3 Non-pharmacological strategies**

Non-pharmacological approaches such as behavioral and educational interventions, and cognitive activities as well as methods aimed at improving sleep, vision, and hearing functioning, are useful for addressing the issue of delirium. Encouraging family visits is another effective non-pharmacological strategy to be strengthened.

Communication strategies play a role of fundamental importance. Among the many examples reported, those proposed by the Mother Élisabeth Bruyère health care organization seem to be simple and effective. According to these suggestions, it is mandatory to use a calming voice, speak slowly and in short simple sentences, present one idea at a time and if needed, repeat the sentence. It is also suggested to avoid contradicting the person, accepting his/her arguments. Finally, rapid movements or gestures that can be misinterpreted as aggressive must be avoided [33].
