Diagnosis of delirium

Posted by 1995victoria @1995victoria, 2 days ago

My 93 yo friend in extended care facility changed rapidly, doctor diagnosed with delirium. A few weeks ago, when visiting, he told me to leave and not come back. Last night, he had nurse help with phone call, and he sounded like his "old self" and said he needs my help. So I will visit, but I'm not sure what I can do, I live an hour away, don't drive, and being in my 80s with a chronic cancer and a sudden stage 1a cancer, I'm not sure how much help I can be. Any suggestions? He has no family, and I think I'm his last friend still alive. He misplaced his cell phone, so maybe I can find it for him.

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1995victoria | @1995victoria | 8 hours ago

My cousin with dementia at the beginning would call me at all times of day and night, asking what day is today. After answering one or two calls, I just let it go to the answering machine. She would also want me to visit her, just when I was diagnosed with my first cancer, I would tell her I was having tests and treatments and could not visit, and she'd just ask again. Then I discovered, I would say yes, I'll come tomorrow, of course she would forget, but saying yes, made her calmer. I realize that saying yes, not challenging some idea or behavior she had ---worked, at first I felt guilty about the lie, but it had a calming affect for her mental state. She has been in a nursing home for 4 years now, and might be near the end.