Be aware that a person with Alzheimer's disease may need help with some basic activities that go on in the hospital. She may not be able to find the bathroom or realize that she needs help while there; it is best if she not go alone. She may not know how to use the call button or remember that it is there. She may not remember to follow dietary restrictions or know how to fill out the menu. She might need help eating. For reasons like these it is best if the person with Alzheimer's has someone with him at the hospital as much as possible.

It is a good idea to speak with the nurse about the needs of the person in your care.

If the person with Alzheimer's is well enough to get up and walk around be careful that he not wander and get lost. Again, the best way to keep him safe is to keep him under supervision at all times. It is during the night that people with Alzheimer's often need the most support. You may need to consider hiring help for the wee hours if no one is able to stay with the person overnight.

Check to see that medications for Alzheimer's are still being administered, unless there is a medical reason to discontinue them. While they may not be a priority in terms of the acute illness that brought the person to the hospital, they are important for continued Alzheimer's care.

NOTE. Remember, normal hospital procedures may feel like physical and emotional assaults to a person with Alzheimer's disease.