Relative with Dementia on Covid ward

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Posting here for traffic and NC for this but could really do with some advice.

An elderly relative (early 80s) tested positive for covid last weekend, this has been managed at home and she was starting to recover. She has Dementia and lives with her DH, who is the same age but in generally very good health, and is her carer.

She was starting to recover from the Covid infection when she tripped and fell down the stairs, which has resulted in her being admitted to hospital. Her DH is still testing positive so hasn’t been able to accompany her or visit. He’s been told over the phone that she has fractured vertebrae and potentially broken ribs, plus a UTI and would need scans etc, but the only update he’s had since is that she’s now on a covid ward and is being given morphine for the pain. No word on when the scans will be, they won’t even confirm whether she’s started antibiotics for the UTI and are generally quite offhand when he rings through, telling him they’re busy and to call back later.

He’s understandably very concerned that the injuries she went in with aren’t being looked at properly until she’s no longer covid positive - they’ve said they won’t test her until a week after she was admitted (despite the fact that she was already on day 4 or 5 after testing positive when she went in) - since she’s had Dementia he’s got used to accompanying her to all her medical appointments and now she’s alone with no one to advocate for her, we’re a bit alarmed at the lack of access to information about her condition and where this is heading.

Thanks for reading if you’ve got all the way through this.

Does anyone have any experience or advice?

I think you are right to be worried. If no-one can advocate for her things can be missed. I don't have a magic answer but would suggest he asks to speak to the consultant nominated for her care, if necessary by telephone appointment. They won't be in at weekend.
Alternatively PALS are not just for complaints and should be able to liase between DH and ward.

@BeechFairy Thanks for your reply, in a way I’m relieved it’s not just us thinking that - I’ve found the number for PALS and will encourage him to try that.

We’re not sure how covid is currently being managed in hospitals, is it really the case that if you go in WITH Covid you can’t be treated for your actual issue and just get put on a covid ward? Our worry is that she could deteriorate quickly while we’re trying to work out what is happening.

I was in a similar position with my mother last year. He needs to find out the name of consultant, who is in charge of her care. Would he give you permission to phone the hospital? I found it really difficult to get through to the ward my mother was on. I kept phoning until I got answer and some information about my mother. Good luck.

I doubt all other treatment would go on hold. It may be that any fractures require only pain relief anyway and abs for a uti.

In the hospital I work in the patient will be treated with what they went in with with the covid infection a secondary concern. Any scans etc are usually done at the end of the list if patient is covid positive. Additionally covid positive patients can have visitors as long as they’re aware and wear a mask.
I suggest phoning about 10am and ask to speak to the ward manager or dr looking after her. Bear in mind the weekend drs will be different to the drs working during her week.
If you don’t get answers then PALS is your best bet to liaise with the ward.

The hospital should have a visiting policy that means that an advocate for a dementia pt is still allowed to visit

And no, it shouldn't be policy that they are just dumped on a covid ward with no further investigation or treatment.

Is he fit enough to be quite pushy?

There t time he phones he needs to ask to speak to the ward manager and say that he feels their communication has been quite poor.

He wants to know if they have a dementia policy and how are they adhering to it?

As a relative can you phone the ward. Unfortunately lots of things don’t get done at the weekend still in hospitals or they do, but you have to wait. They are often short of doctors as well. My neighbour works on a covid ward and treatment for anything else still goes ahead.

Hello!
totally understand your worries! I work in a ward for patients with dementia in Scotland (unsure where you are from!)

All issues are treated promptly and not put on hold if the patient tests as covid positive! It may be that they are seen later in lists at X-ray departments (like last in the day so they can do a deep clean after) but no delays in the actual ward! I’m sure they are treating things - sounds like the communication is poor though.

Not sure about England’s policies but in Scotland dementia patients are deemed vulnerable people and are therefore allowed visitors even in Covid circumstances. Distress is a huge part of dementia so I would ask a charge nurse (don’t speak to nurse in charge ask for the Sister/Charge nurse) .

Hopefully you get someone to answer all your questions tomorrow x

I have just come out of hospital after 8 nights on a cardiology ward which had Covid (England). Those with Covid were in one part of the ward sectioned off from those on the ward who didn't (like me)... but nobody on the ward (at all) was allowed any visitors - covid or non-covid side.

My section didn't have anyone with dementia on it, but it did have someone who obviously had some special needs and confusion. I felt awful that they had no advocate with them. The nurses were SO busy... they really did a great job, but it wasn't their fault that they were at least 2 members of staff down every shift and just didn't have the time to devote to a single patient!

I would definitely phone and ask for a phone consultation with the consultant... also get in touch with PALs - and unfortunately be a bit pushy when you call the ward! Hospitals are in such crisis, unless you can be pro-active and sometimes don't take no for an answer then I'm afraid it's easy for things to be brushed over.

Best of luck

Thanks so much for these really helpful replies, some very useful information here which we’ve acted on.. we’re hoping we might have an update in the morning.

Wishing you all, all the best OP. Sounds like a horrid situation, she must be feeling frightened and he must be unsettled he doesn’t know more. I hope the communication issues resolve and that you know a bit more about what will happen going forward in the morning, do update us all!