Going to the hospital can be a stressful and overwhelming experience for anyone. But if your loved one has a memory-related condition like Alzheimer's disease, the experience can be even more challenging. The unfamiliar surroundings, new faces, and the tests they're going through can make them feel even more anxious and confused. But don't worry, there are a few things we can do to make this time easier for you, them, and the hospital staff. Let's talk about it.
Let's prepare before hospitalization.
First, it's important to clearly understand why your loved one is being hospitalized. Ask the doctor what tests or procedures will be done, what the risks and benefits are, and get a rough idea of how long they will need to stay in the hospital.
If possible, plan to stay overnight with them in the hospital. If not, have a family member or close friend stay with them while you rest and do household chores. Leaving someone with Alzheimer's alone can increase their confusion and fear.
Another important thing is to have an advance directive, which states who will make decisions about his medical care if he becomes unconscious and what kind of treatment he wants/doesn't want. Take this document to the hospital and include it in his medical record. Also, write down important information about him (e.g., his likes and dislikes, how he calms down, his usual routine) on a piece of paper and give it to the nursing staff.
Prepare your hospital bag:
- His insurance cards, medical history, medication list, and those documents mentioned earlier.
- A few changes of clothes and personal items like the soap and toothbrush he uses.
- Bringing something that reminds him of home: a small picture or a favorite blanket can help him feel safe.
If possible, try to request a private room . This will reduce the amount of noise and other people's movements that can disturb him. Make his space familiar. Put a label on the door to make it easier to find the bathroom. Put a picture of him next to the bed that he knows.
Things to be careful about while in the hospital
When your loved one is in the hospital, we need to be aware of potential problems. Be especially vigilant about these things.
| Situation requiring attention | How to identify? | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Agitation and Delirium | Feeling anxious because they don't understand why they are in bed or have tubes in their body. Suspiciousness, believing things that aren't true, hearing/seeing things that aren't true. This could be a temporary mental confusion called delirium. | Stay close to someone as much as possible. If you use glasses or hearing aids, put them on. Leave the curtains open during the day. Always remind yourself where you are and what time it is. |
| Dehydration | Not urinating for 8 hours or more, dark yellow urine, dry mouth, tongue, and eyes, sunken eyes, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty speaking. | Make sure you are drinking enough water and fluids. Ask your doctor how much fluid you need per day. If you notice any signs of dehydration, notify the staff immediately. |
| Infections | Lung infections (especially pneumonia), urinary tract infections (UTIs), skin infections (bed sores), and sepsis are common. Watch for symptoms such as pain, discomfort, and fever. | Remind staff to change positions frequently to prevent bedsores. Talk to your doctor about avoiding catheterization as much as possible. Make sure you, your visitors, and your staff wash their hands frequently. |
| Pain | People with advanced disease may not be able to express their pain in words. They may moan, grimace, hold their hands in unusual positions, and even hold the painful area. | If you suspect something like this, talk to your doctor immediately about painkillers or other methods (e.g. massage). |
| Wandering | There is a high chance of getting lost, falling, or getting injured when you leave the room in an unfamiliar environment. | Tell the staff about this habit in advance. Put on something like non-slip socks. When he tries to get up and leave, distract him by giving him a treat or talking to him. If possible, take him for a short walk around the ward regularly, with the doctor's permission. |
You know your loved one best. You can quickly recognize even the slightest change in their behavior. So if you notice something strange, never hesitate to tell the staff.
How do you talk to hospital staff?
There is a dedicated team at the hospital for your loved one. Sometimes you may not understand the medical terms or treatments they use. Don't be shy about asking for clarification. Sometimes, the most frustrating thing about being hospitalized is the communication problems between the staff and the family.
You can make it easier by doing these things:
- Choose a main coordinator from among the family members. It's easier for everyone to tell the staff anything and get details from them by having one person.
- Talk to the doctor at least once a day and ask about the plan for the day.
- If you want to ask questions, make sure you know who the nurse is at that time.
- Doctors often come to see patients in the morning or evening. Prepare your questions in advance.
- Understand that you may not get all the answers you ask right away. Take notes on important things.
- If you want to know more about new treatments, ask for brochures about them.
- Ask for a phone number to call if you have any questions after you get home.
Before and after being sent home
Sometimes you can be discharged from the hospital sooner than you think. So, from the day you are admitted to the hospital, make a little plan for what to do after you bring him home.
He may not be fully recovered when he comes home. You may need a little help from him. He may need a home health aide at another time. Or he may be temporarily admitted to a rehabilitation facility. A hospital nurse, social worker, or case manager can help you plan this process.
Rehabilitation
This is what rehab is for. Rehabilitation is about getting someone back to their normal level of functioning after an illness. People like physical therapists and occupational therapists help with this. You are the best person to encourage your loved one. So, visit them regularly and encourage them.
Home Health Services
There are home care services. A nurse can give medication and clean wounds. A personal care attendant can do things like bathe, feed, and do small household chores.
Before your loved one comes home, see if there are any changes that need to be made to the home. For example, installing grab bars in the bathroom, bringing in a hospital bed, or moving their room downstairs. An occupational therapist can advise you on these.
Take-Home Message
- Preparation is the most important thing: Before hospitalization, prepare the necessary documents, clothing, and something familiar to him (a blanket, a picture).
- Your participation is essential: stay with him as much as possible. This will reduce his fear and confusion. You know him best, so inform the staff of any changes.
- Communicate clearly: Talk to your doctor and nursing staff daily. Clarify anything you don't understand. Write down questions and ask them.
- Plan for discharge: Think ahead to the day you will be discharged from the hospital. Be clear about the help you will need at home, changes to your medications, and when you will need to see your doctor again.
- Take care of yourself: Caring for someone with Alzheimer's takes a lot of energy. Take time to take care of yourself during your time in the hospital. If necessary, seek help from family and friends.
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