Dementia Patients On Regular Wards - Is This A Regular Thing?

[Smowball]

I am being discharged home soon with a pain management/care plan, but since last night they have admitted 2 ladies with dementia into my bay, one who also has schizophrenia. Apart from being very distressing for them, it’s also very very hard for the staff, and also for the other patients. The lady with schizophrenia will not let anyone near her - she just screams and screams till they back off. They’ve been unable to take her obs, her bloods, anything so far today. The other lady directly opposite me is convinced she is viewing a flat and keeps asking if I will take her home, will I book her a cab, why am I being so awkward etc etc. all day shouting at me. The staff say there is absolutely no room on the relevant ward for them and so they have had to put them here. Is this a typical situation? I’m genuinely interested - the staff give the impression that this happens all the time.

[DTCwordfan]

tony, they died out.....tongue-in-cheek!

[barry1010]

Smow, usually for the elderly but also younger patients who are frail or have certain conditions

[tonyav]

barry, the geriatric ward at my local hospital has been long gone.

[barry1010]

We must be lucky with a dementia ward and a geriatric ward

[Smowball]

Well, I hope that these two get the care/treatment that they need as my heart could have broken for the elderly husband of the 86 yr old when he said he just couldn’t cope anymore at home.

[DTCwordfan]

More than understandable - been there, done that.....one has to set limits to behaviour and hygiene to when the professionals take over. The after-effects still go on here, smow, and that's 18 months on....

[douglas9401]

Fingers crossed for an uneventful trip to the front door.

[pat2604]

Actually. We all loved her on the ward Smow. She was a character and so ladylike. She was a bonus. I don't think people with dementia should be segregated. They often have do much to offer.

Although years ago when I was in my 20s and in a ward the lady who every night insisted I was in her bed and tried to get me out of it was somewhat annoying. She also accused me of stealing her bag

[Smowball]

Sorry to hear that DTC x
And thanks Douglas, I hope so too!
She does sound quite a character indeed pat.(apart from your ‘stealing’ lady!)
Thanks for all of the answers - been quite enlightening actually tbh.

[pat2604]

Hope all goes well for you Some. I've been thinking about you. Us bathroom fall gals should stick together!! Xx

[pat2604]

Smow, not some!

[Smowball]

Close enough pat lol!

[Smowball]

Trying to work out how on earth I’m going to wash my hair but that’s tomorrows discussion lol!!

[anneasquith]

The old ‘ geriatric wards’ are now care of the elderly. We have an ageing population.
If you expect rest and sleep smow, hospital is not the place to be.

[pat2604]

The snorers are the worse problem!

[ladybirder]

You could try asking for some ear plugs for the night Smow. I was given some when I was in Guy's.

[Smowball]

No I didn’t expect sleep , was in too much pain for a start. It’s just quite alarming when people around you are screaming, or shouting directly at you. But they must be very distressed.
And yes I think Ive seen one or two patients with ear plugs now you mention it.

[Peter Pedant]

yes it was the same in 1976