I am 42 years old, and have MS. 6 months ago, I broke up with my boyfriend who had been living with and taking care of me for 5 years. I got a couple of new home health girls to take care of me, and I was on 25 different medications. 6 were narcotics. They overdosed me, and sent me to the ER unresponsive. A month later, the same thing happened. This time my Dr sent me to a nursing home. I have been here for 6 months, and take none of those narcotic pain pills anymore. So why do I have to stay here, when the reason I was put in the nursing home is gone. I am way too young to be here, I am miserable, and I have 2 cats that I miss so much that my dad is taking care for me. Please is anyone knows of anyway I can go go home, I beg of you, please let me know. Thank you.
Do you have another family member who can pick you up?
At that point, you can sign yourself out "AMA", against medical advice. It is done all the time. The downside is that the insurance company might not approve the bill for payment.
You have not come back to provide more information, so there is not enough information to determine if you are legally under someone's control, or have lost your rights. Even so, if you contacted the Patient's Rights Advocate in your State, by now you would have been interviewed and released, or have had a hearing about your rights.
We don't know if you are in the U.S. where these rights are protected.
I don't know if you can still make contact with the outside world, however, the ACLU,
American Civil Liberties Union may at least visit you about your case.
Let us know please, because we care. It is anyone's right to use a phone to contact the outside world. Imo.
Your care after that can be arranged, especially if you are taken out of there by 911 ambulance to the hospital. If you are then held for any reason, by law, at least you will know why, by law, you will be informed.
I trust you so far that you will be making wise decisions for yourself.
Either thank Dr for getting you off narcotics or find another doctor because he gave them to you in the first place. I admit I am ignorant, but is it common to be prescribed six painkillers at the same time? Or did you save them up over the years?
The other responses are informative. Thank you for the topic. Good luck.
... ask for a phone book if you have no access to internet, pick up the phone and Call a personal injury attorney .. most are contingent fee basis.. meaning they only charge you if you win a case. (Yes they will look for a basis to see if you have been lost and or are being held within the system against your will) .. they will also (hopefully, if not call another and another) give you steps to take. Also call your insurance provider, I say insurance provider because they are the ones most likely paying your way and they must have clear and consice reasons to allow the stay. Then you call your state regarding your rights as an individual. Then... go to the records department within the facility itself and fill out a paper form "request of medical and mental health records, select the "entire file" ... and start reading. It's your right as a resident/patient to see them at your discretion. You will be able to read all "notes and orders from comments to prescription and evaluations from physician/s, nurses etc etc etc. You'll start to find the answers to your questions very soon and you should then have a more clear avenue to take.
Final mention; (As obvious as this may seem, have you ever actually asked your physician "why am I here and when will I be released" ..if so what is the response. And write everything down or record conversations. You must do this if u have not, because an attorney will ask you if you've"asked and what are the responses.)
We have "group homes" here in Mississippi and you should be eligible to live in a group home.
I've never heard of being "committed" to a nursing home - so this should mean you are free to leave. Definitely call for the Patient's Advocate. YOU have rights.
There is, of course, a "but."
But you need a lot of support to live at home. It broke your relationship. It was beyond the capabilities of a home help agency. It would not be reasonable to ask it of your father, especially as he approaches old age himself.
So what's your solution? Look squarely at what it would take for you to live independently-with-support, and see if it seems like a realistic prospect.
Even if it doesn't, you are too young to be in an elder care setting and you are entitled to enjoy quality of life appropriate to your age and abilities. Whoever's responsible for your care plan should be paying attention to these things - that's the person to squeak at.
He also has the responsibility to discuss your treatment with you, thus I would ask to speak to him first if you have not done so yet.
There has to be a good reason; your insurance company wouldn't continue to pay if they feel you do not meet certain criteria.
Have you spoken with the NH social worker?
Are you getting therapy at the NH? Can you walk using assist devices or on your own? Do you need assistance bathing and dressing?
Was there any other episodes of overdose prior to this admission? Six narcotics are a lot. Was your doctor prescribing these or was another doctor?
Maybe your MS medications needed adjusting? I know a person now who just switched from the injections to oral MS treatment and she was watched carefully as the oral medication needed to be titrated until her neurologist determined the correct dose for her. She is able to work full time with MS.
If you haven't yet, ask your doctor to make some time when you both can meet at the NH and discuss his plan. I believe NH have care conferences quarterly and you are invited.
Good luck!
Were you ever charged with a crime (narcotics abuse); was your boyfriend arrested and you lived together; or do they think you yourself tried to overdose. And, are you on a 5150 hold? Did someone get a conservatorship on your person?
Second, you need an attorney.
I have seen cases where if you were actually a criminal, your rights would be better protected than if you had done nothing!
Any chance you could move in with your Dad temporarily to see how you do being away from the nursing home? That might be an option you can ask your doctor. Maybe have a certified med tech come in to fill your pill box once a week.
May I ask if you are self-paying at the nursing home or are using Medicaid who is paying for your care? Was Medicaid involved with bringing in the home health Aides? If you are on Medicaid, chat with your Social Worker to see what options there are for you.
I'm so sorry, I know you want to go home. Now that your situation is different, can your father vouch for you and get you released. Is there a social worker that you can talk to that will help you? There must be a way for you to get back home with the right care.