Hospital Stays and Dementia
How to prepare for planned or emergency hospital visits when someone has dementia, help prevent delirium, communicate with hospital staff, and plan a safe discharge home.
Last reviewed: October 2026
A trip to the emergency room or a hospital stay is stressful for anyone. For a person with dementia, it can be frightening and disorienting: strange surroundings, noise, bright lights, new faces, and procedures they may not understand. The Alzheimer's Association notes that being in an unfamiliar place and the stress of treatment may lead to increased confusion.
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) says it's common for people living with dementia to be hospitalized at some point. A little preparation can make a big difference.
Before an emergency: pack a "go bag"
The NIA and Alzheimer's Association suggest keeping a bag or folder ready so you can leave quickly. Include:
- A current list of medicines (with doses) and allergies
- Insurance cards and photo ID
- Copies of legal papers: health care power of attorney, advance directive or living will, and any do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order (see Legal Planning)
- Names and phone numbers of doctors and family contacts
- A one-page "About me" sheet: preferred name, how they communicate, what calms or upsets them, toileting and eating needs, and whether they tend to wander
- Glasses, hearing aids, dentures (and their cases), and chargers
- Comfort items: a family photo, a favorite blanket or sweater, music with headphones
- A change of clothes, snacks and something to do for you, since waits can be long
The Alzheimer's Association suggests keeping copies in an easy-to-find place, such as an envelope on the refrigerator or a secure file on your phone.
In the emergency room
The NIA recommends:
- Tell the staff that the person has dementia, and explain how best to talk with them.
- Be ready to explain the symptoms and events leading up to the visit, possibly more than once.
- Bring a second person if possible, so one can stay with the person while the other answers questions and fills out forms.
- Be patient. If the problem isn't life-threatening, the wait may be long.
- Don't leave without a plan. If you're sent home, make sure you understand the follow-up instructions.
During a hospital stay
Communicate. The Alzheimer's Association advises making sure every doctor and nurse knows about the dementia diagnosis and that it's noted in the chart, along with any behavior concerns, allergies, and history of wandering. Remind staff that the person may not answer questions accurately, and ask to be included in important decisions.
Stay close if you can. The NIA suggests having a friend or family member stay with the person, including overnight if possible. Ask staff about other overnight support options.
Ask practical questions. The NIA suggests asking whether the stay can be shortened, whether some tests can be done as an outpatient, and whether a private room is possible.
Help at mealtimes. Share food preferences, tell staff about any chewing or swallowing problems, and be there at meals if the person needs help eating.
Don't talk about the person as if they aren't there. The NIA notes this can be upsetting and embarrassing.
Watch for delirium
Delirium is a sudden change in attention and thinking. It often comes on over hours or days. The person may become much more confused, sleepy, agitated, or see things that aren't there. A 2014 review in The Lancet describes delirium in older adults as common, serious, under-recognized and often fatal, and says people with existing brain vulnerability, such as dementia, are at higher risk. See Delirium vs. Dementia.
The review found that non-drug approaches are the most effective way to prevent delirium. You can help by:
- Making sure glasses and hearing aids are being used
- Encouraging food and fluids
- Helping the person get up and walk, if staff say it's safe
- Keeping a day-night rhythm: lights and activity by day, quiet and dark at night
- Orienting gently: a clock, calendar, familiar photos, and talk about the day
- Asking the team to review medicines that can worsen confusion, such as some sleep aids and sedatives
Tell the nurse right away if you notice a sudden change. You know the person's normal better than anyone.
Some hospitals offer programs designed to prevent delirium in older adults, such as the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP). Ask whether yours does.
Planning the discharge
Discharge planning starts early. The Alzheimer's Association notes that a social worker or discharge planner will help recommend next steps. Ask:
- What changed during this stay, and what should we expect over the next weeks?
- Which medicines are new, stopped or changed? Get a written list.
- Is rehabilitation (physical or occupational therapy) recommended, at home or in a rehab facility?
- What equipment or home care is needed?
- Who do we call with questions, and when is the follow-up visit?
- Can we safely manage care at home? Be honest about what's realistic. Recovery often takes time, and confusion may linger after delirium.
If home isn't safe, ask about short-term rehab, respite or other options (see Respite Care and Choosing Memory Care or a Nursing Home).
Think ahead about goals of care
In later stages of dementia, hospital stays can be especially hard. The NIA suggests talking with the person early, after diagnosis, about what kind of care they'd want, including situations where they might prefer hospice care at home rather than going to the hospital. See Hospice and End-of-Life Care.
Look after yourself
Hospital stays are exhausting. Take turns with family, step out for meals and sleep, and accept help. The Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900) can help you think through decisions.
Sources
- National Institute on Aging: Taking a Person With Alzheimer's Disease to the Hospital
- Alzheimer's Association: Hospitalization and Discharge Planning (tip sheet, PDF)
- Inouye SK et al. Delirium in elderly people. The Lancet, 2014
Not medical advice. This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual. Talk with a doctor about your situation.
Related articles
- Delirium vs. Dementia
- Legal Planning
- Communicating with Someone with Dementia
- Agitation and Aggression
- Hospice and End-of-Life Care
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