Dementia or just confused. What's the difference?

From your profile sounds like Dad is already in LTC. He is past the 100 days Medicare pays so I am assuming he is on Medicaid.

Confusion can be caused by Medication, even a UTI.

Dementia? It can start out like you are describing. When I look back, the first thing Mom lost was her reasoning. Then how long it took her to process what was being said. She overwhelmed easily. You will see as time goes on that his shortterm memory will go. Having a bad heart will contribute because he is not getting enough oxygen to his brain.

Your Dad is safe, fed and clean. I would not consider bringing him home in the condition he is in. He needs professionals with the right equipment now.

When someone is confused, you can explain to them what is really happening. They will understand. The next time it happens, they will remember and say, “Oh, I remember I am supposed to turn left here and not right.” When a person has dementia, you cannot explain to them. They do not understand. They will give you a look and not know what you are taking about. There is more and more they don’t understand. They can try to escape from wherever they are but they don’t know where they want to go. They can become angry for no reason. They need extra care and help which it sounds like your Dad is already getting where he is.