My dad lived with my husband and I until he got a bad infection a few months ago sending him to hospital and then because he was still very ill, to a great Veterans Hospital which is very well run. His health has improved and he is still very sharp. He used to joke and talk and laugh but now he has become non communicative although he never complains. I am the one that feels awful that he is there, knowing he would rather be home. Is that normal?
My only other concern would be your dad's health status. If he is very different from his usual "before this hospitalization" self, he may need further evaluation by his doctors. Please make sure he gets a through neurological exam - to rule out a stroke - and a mental health exam - to rule out depression or PTSD. Many of our veterans may have PTSD that surges after something that reminds them of a past incident - like a military hospitalization.
I also want to note when my mom does have a UTI she also can become so slow that sometimes she is non verbal from it. Or very much less verbal than her normal. So speak with the drs and nurses and tell them your concerns - ask if any new medications have been added in? Or ask for current bloodwork.
As I said - I know sometimes this is what happens after an infection and some may not regain their old self but I would run it by the staff and tell them your concerns. It’s worth speaking to someone about - maybe it is something as small as electrolytes or a new medication. 🙏🏼
Perhaps there is a way where you could bring him home to a couple of days – even one full day – and see how he is at home. If he doesn’t get back to his ‘old self’, then you know that he is better off where he is now, and so are you. It might stop you feeling bad about things.