Staying at a hospital can make anyone feel anxious and upset. The experience can be especially traumatic for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. The change from home to an unfamiliar environment and the added stress caused by other medical treatments and possibly pain are likely to make the person more confused and disoriented than usual. Knowing what to expect can help you understand these changes. Planning ahead can make hospitalization less difficult for everyone.
Causes of hospitalization
Many people with Alzheimer’s also have serious medical conditions, such as heart disease or a hip fracture, and need hospital care because of these conditions. Others need hospital care because of symptoms related to Alzheimer’s disease. Even if the hospitalization is for a medical condition, the person with Alzheimer’s will affect many parts of the process. Make sure doctors, nurses and others who care for the person know about his or her dementia.
Expected and unexpected hospitalizations
Some hospitalizations are expected, and others are unexpected. If there is a medical emergency, it may be necessary to take the person to the emergency room where he or she may be treated and sent home or admitted to the hospital. In any case, it helps to be prepared.
Avoiding unnecessary hospitalizations
Preparing for an expected hospitalization
Making hospital admission as easy as possible for the person
Preparing for an unexpected emergency room visit or hospitalization
Making the person as comfortable as possible in the hospital
Working with hospital staff
Developing a post-hospital plan
Work with healthcare providers to plan for long-term care or the person’s return home.
Ask these questions:
Ask for an in-home nurse or other assistant. A social worker or care planner can help make arrangements that are within your means.
Make sure you understand what must be done after hospitalization, including:
Resources
MedicAlert + Safe Return is a 24-hour nationwide emergency response service for individuals with Alzheimer’s or related dementia that wander or who have a medical emergency.
To learn more or to obtain a registration form, contact your local Alzheimer’s Association, call 1.888.572.8566 or register online at www.alz.org.
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research.
Updated November 2007
