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1teach1cory Asked November 2015

Grandma just got home from the hospital, she is confused and delusional. Is this normal?

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?

GardenArtist Nov 2015
Teach, I think it's because the air is so very, very dry. It's not humidified. I'm sensitive to it because I keep my house cooler, and it becomes harder for me to breathe when the air is dry. I'm guessing your grandmother had the same problem.

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.

1teach1cory Nov 2015
It is interesting that you say that, my grandma has a breathing treatment that she wast prescribed about 7 years ago for asthma, she has not had to use it for about two years. In the hospital her breathing became labored and they were giving her treatments four times a day

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GardenArtist Nov 2015
Beyond all the helpful answers, there's the fact that there have been a lot of changes and upsets in her life in the last few weeks. That alone is enough to contribute to disorientation.

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.

JessieBelle Nov 2015
There's a question that was asked a day or two ago that asked the same thing. I copied the link below. You might find the answers helpful. Good thoughts coming your way.

https://www.agingcare.com/questions/Can-dementia-be-brought-on-by-a-recent-hospitalization-for-UTI-189807.htm

blannie Nov 2015
Awwww, sorry. Make sure she stays hydrated, since that seems to have been an issue. That can also make people loopy.

1teach1cory Nov 2015
At the second hospital stay they said the UTI was cleared. I am just freaked I want my grandma back :(

blannie Nov 2015
Have they checked that her UTI is cleared? And her high calcium levels were successfully treated? From the Mayo Clinic website: Brain. Hypercalcemia can interfere with the way your brain works, resulting in confusion, lethargy and fatigue. So you may still be seeing effects from her high calcium level.

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.

1teach1cory Nov 2015
She was in the hospital a 1 1/2 weeks ago for UTI that was over night. Then after she came home we moved her down stairs away from her living quarters of 11 years, then 4 days later she fell though nit hurt I still took her to the hospital that was 4 days with dehydration and high calcium, though high calcium was found to be high because of to much vitamin D because of rickets. She just got home yesterday,she was also delusional in the hospital I just thought she would be ok when we got home. She is 86

JessieBelle Nov 2015
I have the same questions and comments as blannie. It could be disorientation from the hospital stay. It could also be a few other things. Please let us know more.

blannie Nov 2015
Why was she hospitalized? Did she have any anesthesia? That can make seniors loopy for a while. So can an infection. Tell us more about her age, what she had done, and what her general ailments are. And this is your grandma and not your mother, which is mentioned in your profile?

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