Post-hip operation

[westr]

Hi all. I would love some advice. My mum has Alzheimer’s but was still living at home with my dad and with carers. She went into respite care to give my dad a break but unfortunately had a fall and broke her hip. She’s now in hospital having had hip replacement surgery but it seems to have masssively accelerated her decline. I really don’t know what is best to do next. Thanks.

Hello. Is she going back to the care home?

Unfortunately, hospital admissions do cause a deterioration in dementia patients. They find it very disorientating, and a general anaesthetic doesn't help.

It may be better if your mother goes to the care home permanently now.

If she doesn't, who will look after her at home? Your father? It sounds like he was at the end of his tether anyway.

thanks for your responses. We are thinking a care home after the hospital is the best thing

@westr come and join us on this long-running thread, where we grapple with the dilemmas which elderly parents throw our way.
You'd be most welcome.
LINK HERE

Thanks, I’ll have a look

My MIL had parkinsons but was still living at home with my DP helping her daily, during a hospital stay she fell and broke her hip, she had surgery on it but we were warned that elderly patients often decline quicker after a hip break especially if they already have other health conditions. She did end up bed bound after the surgery because she didn't cope well and cooperate with the physio afterwards so I would advise making plans for her to go to a care home as her care may become alot harder during and after recovery

People with dementia are at higher risk of developing a delirium (an acute confusion on top of an existing chronic one) and hospital admissions, pain and anaesthetia also increase the risk of this. It might be a step down in her dementia but equally her cognition may well recover somewhat from this point, although recovery from a delirium can take weeks. The best thing you can do for her is get her out of the hospital environment as soon as possible.

Thanks all. Unfortunately, she’s now on end of life care following the move from one hospital to another. It’s horrific how quickly she has gone downhill

Oh gosh @westrthat is a dramatic turn and you must be reeling. How are you today? Is your DM still with you?

Sadly not.

Oh I’m so sorry @westr. I hope you can take some comfort in the fact that she is no longer suffering. I sometimes think that losing someone with Dementia is a bit like losing them twice.

Look after yourself. One thing that really helped me when my DF died was a daily walk

Unfortunately a fall and broken hip often presage the end for elderly people. My mother seemed to ‘bounce’ and every time she fell she was fine. Then came the day the paramedics said she had broken her hip (walking with a Zimmer frame and a carer) and we all knew it was the beginning of the end. I’m sorry for you and your family. I hope the end is peaceful.

I'm so sorry @westr

Thank you all for your kind words