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nlparks Asked December 2014

How do I get help for elderly MIL with flu?

We live out of state. She lives alone and has had flu since 25th, she did call 911 and went to hospital but the sent her home because her vital signs were good. She called today very unsteady on feet and has went down a couple of times to floor. She does have a walker , but having trouble with holding her bladder too

sophe509 Jan 2015
When you talk to the hospital, or doctor's office, be sure to get the first and last name of the person you are talking to, their job title (RN, social worker, etc) and their phone number and jot it down in a notebook with date and topic discussed. Let them know you are keeping book on their answers. That way if they screw up, they know they are liable. It might help you get swifter/better action.

Chicago1954 Dec 2014
The hospital needs told that she lives alone. Of course, you finding the right person to do that , is the problem. Can no one go to the hospital with her? The hospitals here, do the same thing to my 92 YO MIL. It is a big headache - but she is in an AL.

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pamstegma Dec 2014
Call her MD and ask him to order a visiting nurse. Consider the reality that she should not be living alone anymore. If you have relatives nearby ask them to visit her. If she has a minister, ask him to check on her. If she does not answer the phone, be sure you have the land line number for her emergency responders. Also get the phone numbers for neighbors who can check on her.

BarbBrooklyn Dec 2014
I would have her call 911 again and have her taken to the hospital, as she's had several "unwitnessed falls". That's the term you use when you get the ER dept on the phone once she gets there. She may have a broken pelvis or hip.

notrydoyoda Dec 2014
Who is there to take her to see a doctor for treatment? She needs to see a doctor and probably needs someone to stay with her. The flu can be deadly for older people. Who is responsible for her medical care with medical POA and who is responsible for her financials with durable POA? I think that the medical POA can be held liable for neglect or mishandling a person's health care. Sorry that you live out of state, but somebody needs to do something for the poor woman.

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