Depression Support Group
Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.
I am sitting up here at the hospital. My dad fell yesterday because he lost the whole concept of how to sit down. It is because of the domencha he is suffering from. It is sad to see him fade away. I hate these fucking doctors that are trying to send him home. their is plenty of reason for him to stay here, but medicare is screwing us over. I know my father needs rehabilitation to recover, The doctors know that, It just seems like they don't care. My was in the army during the Vietnam War and he is treated like garbage. All I have to do is get my father admitted for 3 days so I can get medicare to pay for 3 months of physical therapy and rehab at a nursing home. We are still here for observation and they are trying their best to get him out of here. I am not going to concede without a fight. If anyone has a suggestion on a good reason for them to keep him here and medicare not object let me know.
Healthcare in America is going through a lot of changes, and it is hard for us non medical people to know how to get things done. Do you have medical power of attorney for you father? If so then this gives you access to a lot of information and people.
Check with the Case Manager who is handling your father's case. In many cases a patient will have a case manager who works for the hospital and one who works for the insurance plan. (Each of these can handle a dozen or more complex cases each day.)
What the case manager is trying to do is to make sure that the patient gets the level of care that they need, the level of care they can benefit from, and the level of care they are covered for. Lots of nasty compromises there.
Talk to the hospital case manager, they are your first line of interaction. Find out what the diagnosis is and why they are pushing for discharge. Words can be important. Bumps and bruises are routine and not a reason to stay in the hospital. Deep tissue pain is a reason to stay. Listen to what the Case Manager says. It may not help you get the 3 day stay this time, but it might help next time.
Again I am so sorry for what you and your father are going through.
This just isn't fair. I can say that dad's case worker is the one that pushed for the rehab and he was able to get it. I can only imagine how frustrated you are right now. I hope by the time you see this that they have allowed him to stay. Your dad and you are in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep us updated, okay?
(((((((( Love and Hugs )))))))))))
Me.
First of all, your dad is supposed to get a medicare info packet 2 days before discharge that gives you a summary of your rights. One of them is a phone number you can call if you think your dad is being discharged too soon.
You can refuse to have your dad discharged to your house. Tell them you can't take him, you are not there 24/7 and he would not be safe. The word "safe" is key. The hospital can not discharge a person to an unsafe environment.
Beyond all this, my wife indicated that so much depends on specifics of the case
I hope this helps some!