Hi. Does anyone have any experience of helping a loved one come out of a severe, prolonged delirium? My dad was hospitalised with a UTI. Delirium onset at admission was swift, and he hasn’t come out of the delirium 5 months on. Some days are better than others, but night terrors and overall lack of improvement have meant dad had to go to a care home from hospital as mam couldn’t cope at home, even with carers help. Dad is so desperately unhappy, mam is devastated to be separated from dad. Any suggestions how we can help him?
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Hi just a few thoughts as similar happened to my own father following a hospital admission for Covid and subsequent UTI’s.
Proper monitoring and being linked in with medical professionals is important i think. Your dad needs no more UTI’s or any other kind of infection. Easier said than done. Have any medical professionals done any assessment to try find out why he hasnt recovered? He may need additional medications or referrals to other services.
It may sound obvious but talking about familiar things and people, find ways to incorporate things your dad will know and recognise. The delirium is not his fault as he probably was more likely to have an increased severity with having PD already. Him needing a care home was not your mum’s fault either as delirium increased the care need very much and quite quickly. Does your mum understand how serious it is? In the sense that sometimes its passed off as someone feeling extra confused, away with the birds. In reality it can seem like a psychotic episode and its very difficult and dangerous to care for someone like that at home. Your mum and yourself need to be a bit kinder in yourselves.
I hope your dad turns a corner.