BOPDHB Patient Resources Fractured Neck of Femur Patient Handbook- May 2015 | Page 12

What is a ‘fractured neck of femur’?

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disorientation (not being aware of the correct time and place)
loss of interest
restlessness or agitation
altered sleeping patterns - tendency to sleep at times that are
unusual for them
• withdrawn, drowsy, sedated, lethargic behaviour
• misunderstanding what is seen and heard
• delusions (false beliefs) or hallucinations (seeing, hearing or
believing things which are not real)
What can family/whānau do to help?
Delirium can be a frightening experience and the calm presence
of familiar people can make a big difference in relieving distress.
Some things family/Whānau can do to help include:
• visiting regularly; limit visitors to one or two at a time
• identify themselves and speak to the patient by name
• speak slowly and clearly about familiar, simple things
• use a calm tone and a sense of humour; gentle touch can also
reassure and calm
• try to gently orientate the patient about where they are and what
the time and date are (but don’t argue if they don’t agree)
• minimise background noise such as music, laughter or TV
• bring in hearing aids and glasses if the patient needs them
• encourage and assist with meals and fluids; you can bring in a
favourite meal
• inform nursing staff of any special information relating to the
person
• ask staff if there is something you can do to help; sometimes
one person staying quietly in the evening may help the person
go to sleep

Conservative or non-surgical treatment
Conservative treatment is rarely considered, however it may be
necessary if surgery is not possible – for example if someone is too
frail to cope with surgery, or if the hip fracture occurred a few weeks
earlier and has started to heal.
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