Delirium in hospital

[Anonymous]

My 83 year old father was hospitalized with pneumonia and UTI. Those have resolved but he is left with delirium. So bad he has to be restrained as he has pulled his catheter twice. Is confused as to time and place. I’m visiting daily, talking to him, showing him photos, trying to feed him, etc. Very slow progress, but seems a little more alert. All vital signs and blood work is stable. How long does it take for delirium to lift for your loved one? He had been fully functional before all this.

[Anonymous]

My 79yo father was hospitalized after a car accident and developed delirium while in the ICU. He developed behavior similar to what you described, was definitely out of his mind. It was very difficult for us to see him like this, and he was scared and paranoid. For him, it was a matter of putting him on the correct psychiatric medication. I forget which med eventually worked but it wasn't the first one they tried. The doctors told me it was quite common for ICU patients. I think he was hospitalized for about 3 weeks and then discharged to a nursing home for PT rehab before going home.

[Anonymous]

I’m so sorry OP. I went through this with both of my parents - same kind of thing you are talking about with hallucinations and pulling out IVs and no sense of time/place. It’s really hard. My parents did eventually come out of it once the infections resolved and with some time. But it can take a while. It was some years ago, so I don’t remember how long, but it was a number of weeks. I hope your dad improves quickly.

[Anonymous]

I think it varies. FWIW, when my Mom was in a private room and had people she knew stay with her, hospital-related delirium was much likely to be present. (VS delirium related to anesthesia and the trauma of surgery.)

Would it be possible for someone he knows well to stay at the hospital with him? And, seriously, the private room was a HUGE factor, likely related to having more control over the environment, less noise (no tv), and multiple factors like that.

[Anonymous]

yes my father same thing. So bad in hospital - ripped out IV, tried to escape the floor, refused aide or walker and more. Sis undowning very common. They can give drug to help called Seroquel. Small dosage makes big difference. my father is still on it. has improved but everytime he goes into hospital (3x) comes out with more cognitive decline and more crazy behavior. Hang in there!

[Anonymous]

My mother had this happen after cardiac surgery. She had been sedated for several weeks and the delirium lasted a few days. It gradually wore off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it varies. FWIW, when my Mom was in a private room and had people she knew stay with her, hospital-related delirium was much likely to be present. (VS delirium related to anesthesia and the trauma of surgery.)

Would it be possible for someone he knows well to stay at the hospital with him? And, seriously, the private room was a HUGE factor, likely related to having more control over the environment, less noise (no tv), and multiple factors like that.

Sorry, that should have been: much LESS likely to be present.

And the disorientation lasted for several days, although it gradually improved. Familiar people and familiar surroundings helped a lot.

[Anonymous]

My 82YO aunt had this after a surgery, and part of it was a reaction to the anesthesia and pain medication. Once they stopped giving her those meds, it took about a month before she was herself again. It was scary, but she is back to herself again. Also, I agree with a PP that she improved more quickly when she was moved to a private room, and much better when she finally got home and had a normal uninterrupted schedule.

[Anonymous]

You need to get him out of the hospital ASAP if he is stable. It is really unfortunate that hospital acquired delirium in elderly patients doesn’t get more press. The same thing happened to my mother. Google hospital acquired delirium and read all the studies that have been done.

[Anonymous]

Super common with a UTI as well, not just the hospital.

[Anonymous]

My mom had this numerous times. I learned from her (amazing) geriatric doctor to not worry so much about it. It has to do with that one gets no quality rest in the hospital. Bright lights and things beeping and nurses and doctors on their schedule, always taking tests, not on the patient's schedule, means very little sustained quality sleep. After a few days, many people but especially elderly get delirious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You need to get him out of the hospital ASAP if he is stable. It is really unfortunate that hospital acquired delirium in elderly patients doesn’t get more press. The same thing happened to my mother. Google hospital acquired delirium and read all the studies that have been done.

+1

Also, check and see if the nurses gave him anything overnight. They will often give powerful medication to help elderly sleep and it has this effect of them. Look up seroquel and delirium.