Just need Support - My Dad fell and is in the hospital

Mav2126

Hi- I just need some support at this moment. My dad with dementia fell and smacked his head on the pavement. He now has a traumatic brain injury with bleeding occuring in his brain. I just spoke with him tonight and he sounded so slow when speaking to me that I am worried its now a permanent condition due to the TBI. Just wanted to see if anyone else had experience with falls and their impact.

psg712

I am so sorry that your dad had this injury. Is he in the hospital? Ask for a neurology consultation and be sure that the doctor talks to you about prognosis and potential for improvement. Make sure that they know he has dementia and explain what his abilities were before the fall, so they can make a realistic assessment of any changes.

Any injury or illness can cause more confusion in a person with dementia, but a head injury is particularly concerning. If he is not already living in a facility, you may need to consider it now. Talk with the hospital case manager or social worker to get help with placement.

H1235

Im so sorry you are going through this. I know this is not you question, but, I would make his living situation clear to the doctor and hospital. I think there are rules/laws that he can not be released unless it’s to a safe environment. I would strongly recommend you don’t bring him home with the intention to stay with him temporarily. This could turn difficult very quickly (no facility openings, problems with in home aids, etc.) If he is going to need facility level care, let him stay where he is until there is an opening. I hope things go well.

blueheron

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/72912/just-need-support-my-dad-fell-and-is-in-the-hospital

How upsetting!

My DH fell off of his bicycle (age 64) and hit his head on the ground in 2018. He had a TBI and started having delusions. That’s when he was diagnosed with dementia.

After his hospitalization he went to an acute rehab facility where they worked on PT, OT and cognitive issues. He was able to go back to work after that for a couple of years but eventually the dementia progressed. The delusions never went away though.