Need fast advice, how do I get ER to admit grandfather?
My grandfather has just been taken to the emergency room by ambulance. We just had this happen with my grandmother and I need to be sure the same thing doesn't happen with the discharge this time. He has been physically unstable for a few months, but keeps falling now. Tonight he woke up very confused and was trying to stand up to go to the bathroom (which says a lot because he also has a catheter in from a procedure). My mother was here (one of us has been staying on their couch 24/7 since my grandmother was discharged after a fall a week or so ago). They aren't safe here on their own and even with someone here, we can't keep them safe. He was confused tonight and said he was standing up, my mother rushed into the bedroom because she heard my grandmother trying to stop him and he actually was pushing against my mother to try and stand. He didn't even realize his feet weren't on the floor and his back was in pain (from another fall 2 days ago). So, ambulance called, they are at the emergency room and I am here with my grandmother. I have been told that if they try to discharge him into an unsafe environment, we can ask for a social worker in the ER to try and get him admitted. Is this something the ER HAS to do if they try and discharge him? We cannot keep him safe. I'm scared and we have to keep him in the hospital for the magical 3 days that would get him into a facility.
Older people, some doctors usually test for that.
Kindly ask the ER doc TO keep him in hospital for observance since he is older and fell, you want to make sure his pain level is manageable. Bones, muscles, brain. etc.
Since he is old, they should keep him in a bit longer to observe him and for PAIN MANAGEMENT
Ask about that and talk with a social worker. If social worker suggests a nursing home, that medicare will pay for the time, you should take it. They usually don't ask twice. That means you may end up paying for board and care. If it offered to you, take it.
Ask social worker or ER doctor or insurance about :Palliative Care. And Hospice Care. This will bring up conversation. A doctor or nurse may be able to go the residence and check up on him, rather than you trying to take him to a doctor appointment.
Do have the conversation about Palliative care and Hospice Care and what the difference is.
Medicare pays the first 21 days 100%, then the patient or their supplemental insurance pays approximately 165.00 daily. However, if Medicare doesn't allow him services after the initial 21 days, supplemental insurance won't pay either.
You probably know all of this, when my dad was hospitalized I had to learn on the fly so I tell anyone that I think might not know.
Well done getting educated and advocating for your grandparents.
I hope that he is feeling better and gets the care he needs.
JoAnn brought up a good point: Make sure your grandfather is checked for a urinary tract infection.
The hospital must give you details about observation and the financial impact.
Please "google" "Observation" to get more information.