We had to put my mom in a nursing home after 5 years. She went into the hospital 2 weeks ago with a severe infection though they never specifically pin pointed the exact infection. They put her on strong antibiotics and it cleared the infection but she never came back to where she was. She's now in a rehab nursing home and she's having chronic diarrhea and a really bad wheezing cough. They're not sure if its from her crohns or just late stage dementia. I thought the nursing home would help strengthen her and though it's actually a good place, mom appears to be declining fast. Shes only in the rehab part of the nursing home but seems much worse physically and mentally except she eats really well, more than when she was home. My heart is broken even though there is 5 of us girls going to see her everyday all throughout the day making sure we help take care of her. Just in this short time she doesn't even know who we are.
How old is your mom? Sometimes Urinary Tract Infections in elders mimic dementia.
As to whether this is dementia or her Chrons I have no idea. I wonder if she should be in palliative care rather than rehab? But do ask for a UTI test as Barb suggested as it can often be a major problem. Keep us posted. Hugs to you all.