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Judycares Asked October 18, 2023

Hospital releasing my DH to rehab and I can't be there. Looking for input.

<p data-userway-font-size="18" data-userway-s4-bigger-text-styled="true" style="font-size: 23px !important; transition: all 0s ease 0s;">I have posted here several times and gotten much sage advice. Help again please.
My DH, 86, (cardiac amyloidosis, hereditary polyneuropathy, parkinson's early dementia, balance issues,central sleep apnea) was diagnosed with COVID three days ago. He's always weak from the neuropathy and parkinson's..the COVID on top of it was too much. He fell the same day and I had to call fire dept to come get him up. (Cuts and scrapes...no trauma). Later that evening, his legs could no longer support his weight and he couldn't feel where they were. He asked to go to the hospital. They admitted him. Not so much for the COVID, but because of his inability to ambulate without falling along with his weakened state. I visited him yesterday, he was feeling better, but still very unstable. This morning, I tested positive for COVID. I will be in quarantine for the next 6 days. His doctor just called to say they want to release him to rehab. Before this happened, I was working with a senior care consultant to look at high level care, assisted living options in case something like this happened...although I wasn't counting on getting COVID before I had a chance to review places.There aren't many facilities that will accept COVID positive rehabs...only 5 in a 50 mile radius. Two adult daughters and one granddaughter trying to help fill gaps, but all work full time..one works two jobs. How do I successfully advocate for my husband when I can't be there? I need to make sure the hospital does not release him before the Medicare '3 midnight stay admission' rule, or it's my understanding they won't pay for the rehab. I've left voice messages for his case worker firmly expressing they are not to discharge him without my involvement...but I'm worried they will put him in the first open bed they can find. I've given them the names of rehabs that I've been told accept COVID in the order of my preference. I know there are no guarantees any of them will have anything. Any thoughts? Advice?

BarbBrooklyn Oct 20, 2023
Judy, how are you doing today?
AlvaDeer Oct 20, 2023
I'm hoping Judy can update us, as well.
Judycares Oct 18, 2023
Thanks Barb an AlvaD...I never thought about a patient advocate. I'll get on that tomorrow morning.

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anonymous1732518 Oct 18, 2023
I'm so sorry.
Is he capable of choosing facilities the social worker can contact?

BarbBrooklyn Oct 18, 2023
Oh, Judy! What rotten luck!

Take deep breaths. You and DH will get through this.

In the AM, call the Discharge Planning office AND the patient Advocate office at the hospital and explain what is going on.

Even if he gets released to someplace for rehab that isn't your first choice, that can be changed when you are well.

Right now, you need to take care of your health!

Feel Better!
AlvaDeer Oct 18, 2023
I do agree with Barb.

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