Worried about dads confusion in hospital
Posted , 4 users are following.
Every time my dad who is 87 is hospitalised he becomes extremely confused, he is never confused at home. He has been admitted again and I explained to the staff about this and they looked at me blankly as though they had never heard of this before. Has anyone else experienced this? My mum and me are so upset by it, its as though he's not my dad.
0 likes, 7 replies
luke_richardson
Posted
also, a new environment, lack of sleep as being on a noisy hospital ward, hypoxia (low oxygen level), some drugs, infection and fever are all common causes of confusion particualry in the elderly.
I would suggest visiting him regularly, reminding him of where he is and why, reassure him and ensure he is comfortable, eating and drinking well and maybe taking in photos of family members, grandkids etc whilst he is an in patient.
Acute confusion usually resolves, if the cause is identified and treated (eg. infections with antibiotics, good periods of rest etc!)
Hope this helps
Luke Richardson
Advanced Nurse Practitioner
Birmingham, UK
Emis_Moderator
Posted
There is an article on the main site you may wish to read if you haven't already patient.info/doctor/Hospitalisation-Phenomena.htm.
Alan
Emis Moderator
chrissyr1
Posted
mrs_k
Posted
Take some bottles of water or any other liquids with a straw in that won't come out. Make sure your Father can reach them and make sure the staff understand why you are doing this.
Elderly people need fliuds and regularly, I sometimes think that the water is deliberately not to hand because of frequent necessity for toilet.
luke_richardson
Posted
confusion caused from dehydration would have to be quite significant dehydration, likely causing an electrolyte imbalance to cause confusion.
Luke richardson
Senior nurse / Advanced Practitioner
Outhwaite
Posted
Outhwaite
Posted