April 2012
Staying in the hospital can be particularly stressful and even dangerous for individuals with dementia. But there are some things experts advise to help hospital visits go more smoothly. First, pack a bag with extra clothes, important medical and insurance information and anything else that could give an elderly loved one comfort while they’re staying in the hospital. If you’re able, attempt to explain the situation and try your best to get them a private room if available and affordable. Most of all caregivers shouldn’t be afraid to discuss worst-case scenarios with doctors and nurses and ask as many questions as they’d like. They should also be sure to remind hospital staff that their loved one is suffering from dementia. It isn’t always easy, even for professionals, to identify someone as cognitively impaired.
