The hospital suggested my dad go to a memory care facility

Right now you can’t know what is the impact of seizure and meds and what will be ongoing vs resolved but cognitive , occupational and physical therapy will be key to him recovering while giving your family time to research different options that you may need.

Fwiw, After an emergency surgery my MIL was almost non verbal, didn’t recognize us, hospital assumed she had dementia and didn’t do anything . We moved her to a rehab, Took a few weeks (and dealing with uti as well) for her cognitive skills to start to return and more time healing. This was 4 years ago—she’s 93 and in assisted living but sharp as a tack. She has no memory of the several weeks she was in hospital/early rehab however.

Respectfully this may be a gift. He will have a proper assessment in a safe environment, medical professionals will determine what kind of care your dad will need.

Dementia is very unpredictable, what works today may not work tomorrow. Caregiver burn out is real.

He maybe able to come home, if not the process for getting him placed will already be started. The transition process maybe a little easier because he will be used to the facility

Dementia sucks

Cognitive therapy is hugely important for patients with dementia, it helps to figure out what he can and can't do, and help him maybe get less confused and maybe come home. I am not an expert, but going to a facility with however the doctors feel about it, probably is the better option than bringing him home at this point.

I don't think its the end, I think its a chance to have medical doctors available all the time to monitor him.

Think positive thoughts

The absolute best thing for your dad is the rehab facility. He will need to be watched as he starts all his new medicines. Is he already diagnosed with dementia? Whether he is or isnt, a true mental rehab facility will be the best place for him in terms of recovery. If youre able to visit, I'm sure theyll share tips on what you should be doing at home for when he does get to go home. That way you are prepared with a game plan and resources.

I feel your pain though, my mom is one step away from needing to be in a home and i cant bring myself to do it, to the point of me moving back in with her and giving myself a 3 hour commute.

One benefit is that because he will be cared for physically and out of danger you and your mom will be able to focus on quality time and mental stimulation and emotional connection. You can be more present and not burn out.

My mother moved from assisted living into memory care, and when memory care couldn't handle her anymore we moved her back home. She lived with me for another four years. Every case is different though. Can you talk to a social worker?

I am sorry you are going through this. Please make sure you visit this rehab facility. I had to place my Dad in one after some wounds on the top of his feet formed and he got an infection. I asked the Doctor which facility he would recommend. One he said he would not leave his dog at, the other he said was in the top two in our area. It was an awful place, I fought hard to get him out of there. I can't imagine what the other facility would have been like! I finally had to threaten signing him out AMA if they did not release him to me. Two weeks were too long! I arranged for him to have wound care, p.t. and occupational therapy at home. Hopefully the facility they have in mind for your Dad is a good one. Just make sure you check in on him regularly and if you feel like he is not getting the care he needs, look for another one or home care.

I’m 52, diagnosed with early onset dementia 5 years ago. I’m just telling you that if the family can participate then they should. I can guarantee you that he would much rather have people who love him care for him as long as they could. Yes put his safety first. I would love to have loved ones help me but since they all disowned me 30 years ago. To be sent to a facility should really be considered as a last resort.