My elderly mom with dementia fell a week ago and sustained a hairline fracture of her pelvic bone. I took her to the emergency room and the following day she was discharged to the rehab. My mom is extremely difficult and doesn’t like hospitals or nursing homes. She was extremely upset to be in either place. Covid 19 made the matter worse and I was not allowed to see her which made matters worse. At 9:00 p.m. the rehab did not yet have her medications which made her agitation much worse and they face timed with me to show me that she was extremely anxious. They did not inform me that medication was not available yet. She doesn’t eat the regular food and is very picky. I dropped off some Mac and cheese for her to eat. I was extremely upset for her. The next morning at 9:00 o’clock I arranged for her discharge since they said she refused everything. Didn’t want food, medication or physical therapy. I brought her home. The problem is that she has a part time caregiver whom she likes but doesn’t not like anybody new. So between the one caregiver and myself and my daughter, we are taking turns to watch her 24 hours. It has been extremely difficult. I asked the rehab before the discharge if she is able to walk and they said yes with assistance. She doesn’t want to get up because of the pain even though she takes pain medications. I wish there was no more lockdown and she could go back to the rehab. Either way I am very depressed. I feel bad for what happened to her and the fact that she is so difficult and doesn’t cooperate. I am not sure how long we are going to suffer? I am worried if she goes to the rehab and it doesn’t work out, or stay home and we suffer.
Did anyone give you any criteria for what you should expect. She just fractured her pelvis, should she be getting up?
Can you use ice or heat to help with the pain?
Does she have any type of brace?
Can she understand that she doesn't have all the say and she cooperates or she goes back to the hospital then to rehab.
Stop letting her unreasonable expectations run the show.
I would not be willing to care for someone with a pelvic fracture without physical therapy and very clear doctor's instructions.
What do you mean if rehab doesn't work out?
If nothing else it makes her tantrums someone else's problem for a while, it could very well get her treatment that could calm her down.
I am in Florida. Unfortunately I couldn’t find a facility in my area a year ago that could provide the care I believe should be given. Never mind with Covid - I feel for the families having to go through this virus with a loved one in a assisted living or nursing home.
I came home this time with mom in mid February after a UTI and encephalopathy with home health and they were still fully providing services. They check with us often to see when we are ready to start back up, so I do believe they are considered essential workers. Best of luck - it’s a hard journey going it alone from home right now. Sending you strength.
how on earth can anyone justify sending someone to a potential death sentence in the rehab facility, she will just become another number to make $$$