Preparing for a hospital stay when a person has dementia
A person with dementia may need to stay in hospital for a period of time, perhaps for tests or an elective procedure.
It’s important to prepare well for a hospital stay, to make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible for everybody involved.
Sometimes, a hospital stay is unplanned, for example after an accident or sudden illness. This is more challenging to prepare for, but there are ways to ensure the person feels as comfortable as possible.
Whether planned or unplanned, preparation for a hospital stay should involve good communication with everybody involved. Explain the situation to the person with dementia, and if they are concerned, ask them what will help them feel more at ease.
Key information, such as the reason for their stay, the time they are expected to be in the hospital and what they can eat or drink during this time, should be given to the person in written form, or sent electronically, so it’s always available.
Make sure hospital staff and paramedics are aware the person is living with dementia, so they can act accordingly, too.
What to pack for a hospital stay when a person has dementia
Involve your loved one with the packing and preparation for their hospital stay as far as possible.
Discuss the clothing they would like to have packed, and any other belongings they would like to have with them in hospital. Try to pack familiar items that will help provide comfort, such as photos, as well as things that can help them stay occupied during their stay, such as music devices or books. You should also consider labelling belongings with a name, in case anything gets lost.
It might be a good idea to ensure that a basic list of key items is prepared in anticipation of any unplanned hospital stays, to alleviate additional stress at these times.
Preparing for a person with dementia to come out of hospital
It’s important to consider the options for when a person living with dementia comes out of hospital. They may not be ready to return to life at home straightaway, and if that is the case, a specialist rehabilitation care centre may be best for them.
A specifically designed intensive rehabilitation care centre, such as Little Manor Care Centre near Salisbury, provides a range of specialist services and flexible facilities to help create a bridge between hospital and home. This can be especially valuable for a person with dementia, who might need more time, or specialist support, to adjust.
As well as benefiting from the state-of-the-art facilities at Little Manor, every resident receives a personal care plan, to ensure their medical and personal needs are met, at every step of their journey.
To make an enquiry and speak to a member of our team about our rehabilitation care, please get in touch.
