Symptoms of confusion and disorientation are typical in the elderly with a UTI. But they typically also resolve after the infection is cleared up if only related to the UTI.
There is also something called "institutional dementia" from extended stays in a hospital or rehab, or even in an ALF or SNF if they are not getting the same socialization and interactions. My FIL moved to a SNF and at first, we weren't sure if the dementia like symptoms he displayed were real or just from isolation. (no diagnosis at the time). I talked to a nurse there and she advised it could be institutional as he was isolating himself, keeping his room dark(ish) with just the tv on and refused to leave his room to join in any activities. As time went on though, there was no course correction, and he was formally tested and did indeed have dementia.
So, it is possible that external circumstances are contributing, but after 13 weeks with that level of implied hospital isolation, it may likely be permanent. What are the doctors saying? Has she been assessed for dementia? Assuming she is still there due to some active infection?
She has been hospitalized for 13 weeks? Not placed in Rehab? There is more going on here than a UTI. With a UTI, they are usually placed on IV for a few days. When it shows the infection is gone, the patient is sent to rehab to get their strength back. This usually doesn't go over the 20days that Medicare pays 100% for.
There is more going on here than a UTI. Are you legally a husband? Do you hold POA for her? Who do the doctors and staff talk to.
And yes, UTIs come back. A culture should be done to find out what bacteria is causing the infection and the person is getting the correct antibiotic. My Mom was sensitive to the penicillin in her antibiotic and that caused problems. If you are getting nowhere with the Doctors and staff, then talk to the social worker.
Thirteen weeks is a very long hospitalization, was there another medical event or condition that caused her to be there so long? I hope you’ll ask the medical team what they believe her future looks like. I’m sorry for such a tough time for you both
Oh my, how distressing! If it was only a UTI and it's already been several months with no improvement, I'm not hopeful her memory will return.
Prior to her UTI, dId she have a surgery or procedure that required anesthesia? Sometimes a senior will have a back reaction to it, or actually be allergic to it, and it ramps up dementia that was already there but maybe mild.
More information would be helpful, like if she had anesthesia, how old she is, etc.
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There is also something called "institutional dementia" from extended stays in a hospital or rehab, or even in an ALF or SNF if they are not getting the same socialization and interactions. My FIL moved to a SNF and at first, we weren't sure if the dementia like symptoms he displayed were real or just from isolation. (no diagnosis at the time). I talked to a nurse there and she advised it could be institutional as he was isolating himself, keeping his room dark(ish) with just the tv on and refused to leave his room to join in any activities. As time went on though, there was no course correction, and he was formally tested and did indeed have dementia.
So, it is possible that external circumstances are contributing, but after 13 weeks with that level of implied hospital isolation, it may likely be permanent. What are the doctors saying? Has she been assessed for dementia? Assuming she is still there due to some active infection?
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There is more going on here than a UTI. Are you legally a husband? Do you hold POA for her? Who do the doctors and staff talk to.
And yes, UTIs come back. A culture should be done to find out what bacteria is causing the infection and the person is getting the correct antibiotic. My Mom was sensitive to the penicillin in her antibiotic and that caused problems. If you are getting nowhere with the Doctors and staff, then talk to the social worker.
Prior to her UTI, dId she have a surgery or procedure that required anesthesia? Sometimes a senior will have a back reaction to it, or actually be allergic to it, and it ramps up dementia that was already there but maybe mild.
More information would be helpful, like if she had anesthesia, how old she is, etc.