Mom 84 was in the hospital for 4 days. AFib and thyroid made her very fatigued to the point she could no longer stand or walk with her walker. Arthritis in both knees for many years, hence the walker.
Was discharged to a rehab facility, been there for 4 days, Medicare pays the first 20 days. Medical condition is under control through medication. And her fatigue is gone.
Through therapy she can slowly stand and sit up as before. And walking a little further each day with a therapist. She is getting close to how she was before the hospital. Everyday she makes a bit more progress.
Therapist wants her to build up her arm strength to help in standing up. Her spirits are good all considering. And overall, we the family are positive about her progress.
This rehab center is a mixed bag. The 80's era facility is very clean. The therapists are very good in my opinion. Nursing and aids a mixed bag, some shifts are good others less, especially nights. Food is mixed, good and bad. Some of the staff at the nursing station are half asleep at times. Front desk girls are great. So yes, a mixed bag here.
Perhaps I've been reading too much Dr. Google but the thought of her not getting out is terrifying. I don't think she could survive and would only worsen mentally eventually leading to physical decline.
She lives in a really good independent living/assisted living apartment with my Dad and I. And my sister lives nearby within walking distance. We will do whatever it takes.
However, after 20 days and my mom is of sound mind and wants to leave and if the family agrees can she just leave against the rehab center's wishes? Worse comes to worse could we do a midnight rescue by just taking her out?
thanks
She's not being held hostage, so don't sweat it.
They don't keep Mom if there is someone that can care for her. The only time they may keep her is if its an "unsafe" discharge. But that means there will be no help if she is considered 24/7 care.
You really do not want to do an "Against Medical Advice". They do not have to give you prescriptions or set up in home care. Bills will be paid by Medicare and suppliment but...a member said that they did the AMA thing but the person ended up in the hospital for the same thing again and insurance would not pay because if the person had stayed in Rehab they would not have ended back up in the hospital.
Its only 4 days. Mom may do well in the 20days Medicare pays 100%. Before that 20days the PT should tell u how Mom is progressing. If there will be a problem paying the 50% then you can tell them there is no money passed the 20days. I did this with my Mom and she was released on the 18th day. Supplimental may pay for all or some of that 50%. The finance dept should have explained this to you.
Like Barb said, your mother is not a prisoner in this rehab SNF, so you won't have to be doing 'a midnight rescue by just taking her out.' The whole point of rehab is to allow mom to regain her strength and ability to function again once she LEAVES!
Good luck!
We expect a good recovery. But I think you and others have answered my main concern that she is not being held prisoner.
She isn't a prisoner; it sounds like she is making good progress. Before she is discharged, the facility will want to ascertain that they are making a "safe discharge" and that she has the appropriate level of support--which is what you all also want.
Unless someone has guardianship, no one can "make" her reside anywhere she doesn't want to.