Mum in Hospital

Infections, especially UTIs, can cause hallucinations and delirium. I worked as a security officer in a hospital and was often called to the men's ward to help with patients who were 'kicking off' because they had infections in their bloodstream that were causing them to get very agitated.

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Absolutely and firmly insist on a test for Sepsis. And also insist on strong anti-biotics whilst they wait for the results.

Be firm. Insist. Make notes of names and comments - and make it obvious that you are doing so.

Good luck.
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This happened to my Dad when he was in hospital after being run over. I went to visit him and found him acting in a most bizarre way, telling me that they were coming after him, and saying things like 'Watch out, he's got a gun'. I spoke to a nurse who eventually found me a doctor to speak to, I explained my concerns and he said 'well of course, he is senile!!' I was furious, and said that my Dad was far from senile, and that something else must be going on. This particular doctor continued to try and brush me off, so in the end, I demanded to see a different doctor, who having listened to what I had to say, said he would check the drugs he was taking, and to leave it with him for a few hours, and then go back. I went back and Dad was totally back to normal. I was horrified that just because he was in his 70's, a doctor could just jump to the conclusion that he was senile, and not want to look any further for causes of strange behaviour, in spite of being told that my Dad was normally as sane as I was.

Speak to the nursing staff, and tell them that your Mum isn't normally like this, and you want it investigating OP.

Yes I know of elderly people who were rambling etc. The relatives knew that UTI’s were the reason and insisted they needed AB and tests to find the correct one if not done already. Be firm.

This happened to my mil after having her appendix removed (in her 80s). It was a post op uti and four days of antibiotics she was back to her old self again. Grumpy and saying I would never be good enough for her only child- after 40 years of marriage. 😂. Hang in there antibiotics could be the solution

it really does emphasise the need for people to keep themselves well-hydrated. All age groups, although particularly older people who do not realise how little fluid they are taking in each day'
Many of them do not even realise they have a uti, and when they start talking rubbish and showing other seeming MH problems, too often relatives think it is down to something like dementia.
So many people (all ages) end up in hospital simply because they are not taking enough fluid.

Absolutely and firmly insist on a test for Sepsis. And also insist on strong antibiotics whilst they wait for the results

Just don’t be surprised if the health professionals reserve the right to prescribe as they see fit.
They are qualified - are you? .

Have a notebook to hand when talking to the hospital staff and take names from their name badges.
Delirium with hallucinations and ""rambling" is v v common in older patients suddenly taken into hospital and also made worse if they are moved around.

I knew nothing of this 2 years ago when DH was in hospital suddenly for a week. I know a lot more now should I need to. Important to be assertive and to repeat that your relative is not like this in normal circumstances. Also look up Charles Bonnet syndrome which can cause hallucnations in people suffering from deteriorating eye sight. I knew nothing about that either. I do now.

PS I used to suffer from being the daughter of a nurse from the 40s/50s so was bought up to believe Doctors were gods and their word was law.
I don't do that anymore.

Yes!!
Make a fuss and get high dose of AB, keep an eye on their feeding her - do NOT let them do the "patient choice" thing.
If she is off her food, make them give her forticups and fortisips to keep her energy up. If the do not, contact your GP for a prescription.
It can affect her ability to pee, so they put a catheter in and this makes her bed bound.

As someone else said UTI infections can do this!My mum once accused me of stealing all her money! My dad tried to tell her but she was having none of it....once the antibiotics did their magic she was horrified at what she had said....we just laughed.. please don't worry.

LemonJelly

It's an infection in her knee, not a UTI. Would this be the same thing to cause the deterioration??
She on ABs but completely delusional

Yes, an infection can cause confusion and even delirium.

She's in the best place and the antibiotics should start working soon.
Are you able to talk to the doctor in charge of her treatment? Perhaps she needs a stronger dose or a different antibiotic if it's not working.

Any infection can cause a person to become confused not just urinary infections