Doctor’s Visits & Hospital Stays
- Schedule appointments for your loved one’s most alert, cooperative
time of day, or when the office might be least crowded.
- Alert staff ahead of time that your loved one has dementia. They might be able to
help him or her stay comfortable.
- Expect behavioral challenges. The change to a hospital environment often results
in agitation or other difficult behavior.
Next Step
Learn what to look for in an adult day care or longer-term facility.
Learn more
Regular doctor’s visits are necessary, but they often present behavioral and other
challenges. By preparing carefully in advance, you can make sure that each visit
is as productive as possible. A written log of symptoms and events is often helpful
to doctors.
People with dementia are often resistant to doctor and hospital visits. Don’t tell
your loved one about the appointment until the day of the visit or a little while
before you leave. With a positive but matter-of-fact tone, tell the person it’s
time to go. Consider bringing along a friend so you can meet with the doctor alone
while your friend watches your loved one.
During a hospital stay, the best thing you can do is remain calm and reassuring.
Turn off the TV, intercom, and telephone ringer to reduce noise and distraction
and create a more peaceful environment.
When working with staff, create a list of your loved one’s habits, difficult behaviors,
and how you handle them, all of which will help them cope. Request that a copy be
placed with the chart and at the nurse’s station. Identify who will do which tasks.
You may continue to help your loved one with certain activities.
Most people with dementia manage better when a familiar face is by their side throughout
the stay. Work out a schedule with friends or family members to ensure that you
get enough rest yourself.
Next Step: Adult day care centers, nursing homes, and other
care facilities can reduce caregiving stress and keep your loved one active.
