My grandma just got home from the hospital yesterday, she did not have any type of dementia before the hospital stay. Now she can't answer the phone. Change the tv channels. Saying the hospital messed it up, that the hospital is spying on us. Is this normal will she get back to normal?
I've mentioned this to nurses and asked if they have any idea why the air is so dry in hospitals, and why it isn't humidified. I would think common sense would dictate that some humidification be added to the stifling air. No one knew, and they did say that it took quite a while for them to get used to the dry air as well.
I've found the same thing in rehab facilities.
I saw this the last time my father was hospitalized and was really concerned, so I really kept a close eye on him and noted the changes I saw. As he gradually regained his strength, he also returned to his normal self.
I myself didn't realize how disorienting hospitalizations can be until I was hospitalized last year. I just could not wait to get out! It wasn't just the limitations, the limitations on privacy, the need to suddenly rely on others, but there was absolutely NO FRESH AIR, the indoor air was dry and close, I had trouble breathing, the view was limited, I couldn't hear the birds .... I won't say it was awful but it was disorienting and confining. By the 4th day I was really getting anxious and agitated. I can't even imagine what it must be like for someone who's much older.
https://www.agingcare.com/questions/Can-dementia-be-brought-on-by-a-recent-hospitalization-for-UTI-189807.htm
If her UTI has cleared and her high calcium level has been treated, I'd give her time. Hospitalizations can be very disorienting for older people. Try to get her back in her normal schedule, in familiar surroundings. If she's not better in a few days, I'd contact her regular doctor and let him/her know what is happening.