Although staff should be trained in meeting the needs of Alzheimer patients, you may want to provide them with additional input on your family member's personal habits and information on diet or eating habits. This person can't tolerate any chocolate in her diet. To make sure that you've covered all important points, you may want to type a list of tips for hospital staff before you leave for the hospital. If your family member with Alzheimer's tends to wander, alert hospital staff and see that they take measures to ensure the person's security. Ask questions about anesthesia.
General anesthesia can sometimes depress the person's central nervous system.
For this reason, some physicians prefer to use local anesthesia or spinal anesthesia. Talk to your physician and surgeon about these options. Try to obtain an early discharge. Work with your physician, nursing staff, and the hospital's discharge planner or social worker to make the transition from the hospital to home care or a less threatening health care setting. Before Admission Find out if the diagnosis requires admission.