No dementia diagnosis but Dad in hospital - I don't know what to do

[FiveShelties]

My Dad was taken into hospital with an infection three weeks ago - he was forgetful, but now is very confused, angry and like a different person. I am not sure what to do, or where to go ...

He thinks he is in prison and hates me as I will not take him home - it is an awful situation and I feel dreadful. Is there anything i should be doing or contacting?? I feel completely overwhelmed.

Don't want to post and run but am going to bed and would really any suggestions/help anyone would care to give. Thanks.

[Alonglongway]

what advice is the hospital giving? I think you need to drill into specifics as far as you can

My dad went through similar in Feb - not angry though just deeply confused. He was diagnosed with vascular dementia. They told us to start seeing it as his new baseline, and I was asked if we were sure about taking him home. The ward was so confusing for him - he thought he was on a train, in an airport, just got off a boat. But we could see he was making progress so we decided he had to have the chance to go home and see how he got on

We ended up declining the offer of re-enablement as it would have kept him in weeks longer. We did comply with the OT team and accepted a couple of items of equipment to support his mobility at home.

He came home with a strange story about having been kidnapped and was a bit shaken for a while. But got loads better quickly. Now he's pretty good and back to independent life at home.

How's your dad doing?

[CMOTDibbler]

Infections in the elderly can really knock them for six and cause massive downturns in cognition which can persist for a few weeks once they are well.
How is your dad doing in terms of his infection?

[VulcanWoman]

Yes, being in hospital can make the confusion worse. Dehydration can make things worse too. When my mum was on co codamol it didn't suit her either.

[FiveShelties]

Thank you for your posts. He now has another infection and is on antibiotics by IV. He keeps removing the canula though. He is being nursed on a 1 to 1 basis as he will not stay in bed/chair. I am really amazed at the care he is receiving. The hospital have said he would be better going to a rehabilitation unit/cottage hospital to try and get his mobility back and hopefully stabilise in a less 'busy' environment. He does appear to be drinking well and eating well - I have been very conscious about dehydration.

The consultant advised that the dementia diagnosis is done at the GP Memory Clinic - he was asked some questions recently by the Practise nurse at the GP Surgery - where he lived, date, tel number etc and could he remember an address which she had given to him previously - he could remember his own but not the one she gave him.

He was on co codamol initially so perhaps this made things worse. I have been every day and today he was angry because I had not been for two weeks/had spent his money and was the worst daughter ever. I am an only one and have always been 'Daddy's girl' so this is completely out of character. It is all really sad.

Thank you again for posting - I felt really alone, although I do appreciate this is a very common problem - one of those things you think will never happen to you.

[mineofuselessinformation]

Urine infections are known for causing confusion in the elderly, it that what it is?
Speak to his consultant either way - insist on it if necessary.
Good luck.

[VulcanWoman]

Don't forget to give yourself plenty of breaks and look after yourself too.

[civilfawlty]

I just wanted to say that the Alzheimer's Society are terrific and supportive and have loads of information. We found them hugely helpful.

[FiveShelties]

It is a chest infection this time, last time it was from an infected toe.

Thanks so much everyone, I will get in touch with the Alzheimer's Society.