Follow
Share

Hi - this is my first post. My 85 year old dad came into the hospital 2 days ago suggested by his podiatrist for cellulitis on both feet. We’ve been trying to care for it with home care wound care but obviously it’s not getting better so they sent us to the ER. He has newly diagnosed moderate dementia (got a 7 out of 30 on moca test just last week). So I am shocked at how in two days he went from being ok - living on his own - to now he is so out of it (they have only given him a few doses of Ativan) in addition to antibiotics. Does anyone see this - it’s like a completely different person! He also drinks too much and they believe he is also having somewithdrawl and are managing that as well. I am the only family he has and I know he cannot go home like this (we haven’t even had that conversation with social work at the hospital yet). I am his Healthcare POA thankfully when decisions need to be made. I am so sad for him.

7 our of 30 is a VERY poor score and I am surprised he was living on his own with that.
He likely now has a mix of dementia, hospital induced psychosis and some delirium Tremon's going on now. That is a real bad combo. Ativan as well can have the exact opposite effect on people that they are looking for. One dose for my anxious brother with early Lewy's dementia, following an accident that landed him in hospital, had him climbing the walls.
There could be some underlying alcoholic encephalopathy.

The sad truth is now you need to get the social workers in there big time for discharge planning. Your Dad is going to need rehab and placement after that into care. You are going to be reliant on the social workers. Do not take on POA or Guardianship or offer up your own home even temporarily.
Stay on this site and read back all you can.
This is a dire situation; I know you are aware of that. I am so sorry.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to AlvaDeer
Report
Breezy4024 Mar 23, 2025
Thank you for your wisdom. Can I ask something - you say don’t take on POA (I already have that) - guardianship (what exactly does this mean - I will
do research) or offer up my home (I for certain can not and will not do that). I expect to sit down the social
work tomorrow.

I thought having the POA is a good thing so I can make healthcare decisions? Thank you again.
(0)
Report
See 1 more reply
If you don't think he's safe at home, be sure to tell the hospital staff, over and over if necessary. In the US, the hospital is obligated to find him a safe place to go at discharge
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to jdbird4
Report
Breezy4024 Mar 23, 2025
Thank you I have asked to have a meeting with the social worker tomorrow - already this forum has been so helpful and what I should be thinking about.
(0)
Report
Breezy, welcome to the forum.

Unfortunately, 85 and medical conditions can take a sudden decline.

Have you talked with the medical staff about hospital delirium? It sounds like that is what's going on, on top of infection.

Prayers that you find a good path forward. It is hard to see our parents fail.

Great big warm hug!
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to Isthisrealyreal
Report
Breezy4024 Mar 23, 2025
Thank you - I will certainly ask about this now! Much appreciated.
(0)
Report
A MoCA score of 7 indicates severe cognitive impairment, my friend. Combine that with alcohol withdrawal, and you have a situation like you're seeing with dad on your hands. Then he has cellulitis in both feet. He can be septic from that alone if it's gotten bad enough. If he's diabetic, his sugar is likely fluctuating wildly. Dad sounds very ill, unfortunately.

It's also typical for elders to get hospital delirium where they're acting very odd.

Speak with dad's doctors and ask what the prognosis is? I'm sorry you and dad are going through this. Good luck to you both.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to lealonnie1
Report
Breezy4024 Mar 23, 2025
I was very surprised when the nurse said moderate! I gotta get a plan in place for when he leaves - I already had an eval
setup but honestly I cannot imagine him going home from here without at least going to a rehab first. Thank you for the input!
(1)
Report
Infections can exacerbate dementia symptoms, so can a change in environment. Could be the cellulitis and/or hospitalization. He should also be check for a UTI. Keep in mind, if this is temporary change, it's also an indication of how his dementia will proceed
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to jdbird4
Report

Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter