She started on the third day wanting to go home. She has a mild cognitive disorder and doesn't understand that there's more to her therapy than walking to the nurse's station and back. We keep telling her it's up to the doctor/staff when she will be released, but she doesn't believe us. Now she's on day 20, and they are saying they are concerned about her safety living alone so they want to keep her a while longer. She can't qualify for Medicaid to pay for AL due to slightly exceeding the income limit. She asks daily if she is going home today, and the staff is so vague and won't give us any kind of timeline. Do I keep her there being miserable but safe, or take her out against medical advice where she may be unsafe at home but happy? I can only afford someone to look in on her for about 10 hours a week. Family visits on the weekend.
I know with Mom it was "We are sending her to Rehab, which one do you prefer" If I knew what I did later, I would have said "No, set up PT at her AL". With Dementia her experience was awful. She was in a wheelchair most of the time only having PT for short periods. Activities "would you like to make a card" to a woman who did not understand the aide. A GP took it upon himself to stop Moms Graves desease med because her levels were normal. THEY were normal because...she was on medication and had a Specialist I think should have been consulted before another doctor takes it upon himself/herself to change a medication. I was told she would never walk without assistance even with a walker. They kept her for 18 days after I told them there was no money after the 20 days that Medicare pays for. She got back to the AL and within 24hrs was walking all over with her walker.
Lea was aware that she could change Rehabs and that is what she did. So her experience ended well. But I live in Low populated area. We don't have too many options. Yes Medicare goes anywhere but supplimental insurances and Medicaid are State based. Medicaid limits you where you can go. What you need to know is what your rights are as a patient. If you feel a facility is not doing their job, you have government agencies you can complain to even your insurance companies.
What I remember from Moms stay was a fellow classmates Mom who had broken her hip which can cause death. Mrs M was in with Mom. Her two children were there everyday. This one day I was leaving and she was sitting in a wheelchair in her room next to a window that put her in silhouette. She was in almost complete darkness sitting with a blanket around her shoulders with her head down. Is Rehab really worth it when the person gets depressed being there. She made it home but died not long after. Yes she was probably 87, Moms age. Yes, she broke her hip. But, did the Rehab experience hasten her death? I for one dread the thought of ever being in a hospital or Rehab for any length of time. Both are depressing and I can see where delirium sets in. No, I will not be a good patient. 😏