u/Substantial-Run-112

I am in need of advice, please! A summary:

My father-in-law was admitted to hospital (in UK) in September 2024 following a fall outdoors. He stopped drinking alcohol at that time… May 2026, he has experienced a severe episode of hepatic encephalopathy, linked to his liver condition. His most significant deterioration began on 10 May, when he presented with acute confusion, hallucinations, and behavioural changes. He was admitted and diagnosed with Grade 3 HE, was largely unresponsive for the first two days and required medical intervention to stimulate bowel
movement.

Since discharge, he has had repeated relapses, falls, and episodes of confusion requiring multiple returns to hospital. He is in the hospital as I type this…

He has also experienced significant behavioural changes alongside his medical condition, including agitation, hallucinations, sleep disruption, and impulsive online spending behaviour. He is obsessed with buying cars and is constantly contacting dealerships to try to set up deals and sell his own car.

Why I need your help - does anyone know why he is still experiencing this delirium? It’s been around 6 weeks now. My FIL is not himself.

He was discharged and home for 2 days last weekend and my mother-in-law didn’t sleep a wink because he was up all night, ranting and turning all the lights on, talking constantly about buying things (mainly cars). She is worried he will try to leave the house on foot, or in the car, or will hurt himself, someone else or set the house alight. She does not want him home while he is in this state. Does anyone have any advice at all? They are both in their 70’s and my MIL just cannot cope with him. We are watching her decline with the stress of dealing with this.

Hospital just wants rid of him. They want to discharge him ASAP. Any advice on what my MIL can do for support or to keep him in hospital until this delirium has passed would be gratefully received. Will it ever pass?