Some advise needed please

[newnamesameold]

My Dad has dementia and a variety of other various physical ailments. Yesterday he seems to have come down with some kind of vomiting bug and has not seemed 'himself'. He is gone off his food and has been admitted to hospital.

Obviously the current situation surrounding hospitals is making getting any info a struggle. We are struggling to get through on the phone, they are clearly exceptionally busy and have been advised not to attend the hospital.

Does this sound like it may be the beginning of the end? We currently have caters that come in twice a day to help with cleaning him up, getting dressed etc. Should we be looking into more long term hospice care??? I am very out of my depth with this kind of thing.

Sorry, it's tough to go through. I feel for you.

I found I was always a step behind the illness with this. I'd get care sorted and by the time it was in place my mum needed more help.
So you're doing well to think ahead.
However, it could be that after the bug he's actually fine or at least back to how he was before. So I'd wait and see a bit. Ideally he can stay at home as long as is feasible.
I found some of the hospital care team were clueless on the reality of someone living at home but some really did get it. Wait for them to do the proper assessment for him leaving hospital. If you need to find somewhere else for him to go, they should give you time to arrange it.
If you were feeling he was borderline able to cope at home anyway then I think you should push for what you think is right. Where will he be happiest and safest.
My mum had a stroke which settled the issue. I'm so happy she's now safe and well cared for in a home.

I would be thinking about a care home from the sound of it. We were so glad my dad moved to one while he was still able to learn to recognise new people and new surroundings. I've watched others leave it too late and the loved one not be able to adapt and spend there last few months distressed because they didn't understand. At the time he had carers twice a day and my mum.