My father went into hospital for leg surgery. Surgery went well, he was confused in hospital (as always). then went to rehab for his leg. Got aggressive at rehab and they shipped him over to a specialty dementia hospital. I am his POA. They say he will have to stay there for 17-23 days but then he may not get out. I plan on caring for my father at home once he is out. I know he is not happy there and wants to be home with his dogs and his routine, etc. He was functioning at home well with care. How can I go about getting him released so he can be home for Christmas??
Carol
Unless he's a clear danger to himself and others, I don't see why they'd hold him hostage over 23 days. As Carol suggested, speak with his doctor directly so ascertain the extent of his "aggressive" behavior. Just because he has A/D doesn't give anyone a license to keep him locked up forever, and away from the people, places, & things that he still holds dear.
I am battling between heart and brain, and my heart is winning, and I think it is winning for a good reason. Before he got to this place he was his normal confused self, but still himself (flirting with cute nurses, trying to be cute, confused, but still himself - I wish I could explain this more). I have been home with him and he is not combative with me - EVER. He hears the word "daddy" and he just complies and is his sweet old self.
The facility is doing more harm than good. They have him on seroquil (bad news), I have asked that they take him off as his "irritability" has not lessened since he has been on it. He has turned into a zombie (when i speak with him on the phone) .
He lives a normal (all be it confused) life at home. I have care for him and it works and has worked, and worked before the surgery. I feel i know my father better than anyone, and these Dr.s just seem to want the bed filled for an extra week. I know how my father is when in hospital or facility and it's never good. Get the guy back home and he functions beautifully. I am willing, when the time comes to put him into a facility that can actually help him, but he is not there yet, and 2 months, I feel cannot make him a different person than he was before all this nonsense. I feel in my heart I am doing the right thing, he needs to be home. He is not ready to be in any sort of care facility when he was (with help) taking very good care of himself -- paying bills, mowing the lawn, taking care of 2 dogs, etc...
Emotions running wild right now - I may be in over my head, but this is my dad and he has earned every ounce of joy that I could possibly give him as he has given me the best life ever.