Dad in hospital still!

[klr31]

Hello,

Well, dad has now been in hospital for over a month with no plans for discharge - although it has nearly happened on a couple of occasions. Unsure where to go from here. Do I try to speak to the consultant? Dad's infection markers are up again today. We have had to return home to Wales which is over 100 miles away so no one is visiting although I have asked the Home if someone could go. I'm shattered and unsure where to turn now or what to do. Dad has been aggressive at times and upset/fed up. His dementia is worse too

Karen

[bantam12]

If your Dad is still unwell it's likely the home won't take him back until he is better, sounds like he's in the best place if his infection isn't under control. The hospital should have volunteer visitors so you could ask the ward clerk if that's a possibility but if he's anything like my Mum was he won't be very receptive !

[MAS_Nurse]

Good morning again Klr31, I am sorry to hear your Dad is still unwell and remains in hospital.

Bantam12 is correct - he is in the best place whilst he is so poorly. Also the infection can have an effect on his mental health due to the bacteria. I know it is difficult for you as you are far away and can't visit when you would like to. Does he have any friends that could visit and maybe someone from the home he was a resident in? It is a good idea to see if they have hospital volunteer visitors or maybe Age UK in the area may have volunteers who would visit hospital wards. It is worth a call to ask them. Take care of yourself and keep us up to date on how things are going. Best wishes.

MAS Nurse.

[klr31]

I am talking with the Home and the hospice about palliative care for dad. He's been in hospital for five weeks now and isn't improving. He's back on intravenous antibiotics but they only seem to hold the infection at bay temporarily. The consultant, who I rang to talk to on Wednesday, said he wanted to give it one last shot with the latest antibiotics and then agreed that perhaps it was best to make dad comfortable. I'm hoping that dad can return to the Home and be made comfortable. It's all very difficult and upsetting. We are hoping to return to the Midlands on Sunday again - we've only been home for a week.

Karen

[klr31]

It's looking like palliative care soon. Very sad. Thank you for your reply. Xx