Nan taken to hospital | Dementia Support Forum

Hi Emma

good news that your Nan stayed at the hospital - at least there she will have nurses and doctors available, and will be seen constantly.

The problem with hospitals is that there is simply too much demand for their services. If an hospital kept lots of beds free, we'd be complaining that money was being wasted. When hospitals have no beds free, we complain that they don't have enough funding.

There will be times when demand for beds exceeds supply, so we hear stories of people being left on trolleys in corridors.

In your Nan's case, at least they had a bed in the observation ward where she can stay. And she is still under observation - they are checking her blood sugar levels on a very regular basis.

Anyone being admitted to hospital unexpectedly will be worried or confused. When we are confused we either go very quiet, or we declare war. Actually, I'd prefer the war option because it shows spirit. I wouldn't worry too much about the confusion and aggression short term.

Finally, the nurse shouting. Well, I'd cut her some slack. She may have been on duty for a long time, or it may have been a very busy day. Also, nurses are only human, and not all of them have hands-on knowledge of caring for patients with dementia - the same goes for doctors, by the way, and 90% of the human race. She probably felt really bad afterwards, and she did apologise.

If it happens again with the same nurse, then I'd be more concerned. The 'good' thing is that patients with dementia don't remember these things, usually.

What to do? First of all, be thankful that your Nan is receiving help and that she has not been dumped home on her own. Then, use the time she is away to review things - your Mum and Dad, too. Keep an eye on how she is being cared for at the hospital. And don't worry TOO much.

Best wishes,