My son Craig is 57 I'm 82. It's becoming difficult for me to assist him to doctor's visits. He is driven to a nearby dialysis center four times a week withoug personal assistance. He had a stroke in 2012 and he's still in a wheelchair. He can talk but rarely does. I don't think he's physically or mentally sharp enough to go solo to other doctor visits.
Does he have a Primary Doctor? I'd ask the Doctor first. There will be many without family at all to assist them.
Or ask the Home what other options there are. Ask the dialysis centre too.
My sister is also a stroke survivors. She doesn't have the best kidney function & has older parents. I work & we are also trying to solve the problem of support for appointments in the future. ((Hugs))
I've had a very quick look at services in your area but haven't yet found anything ideal. What you want is a health advocate, or wellbeing advocate, or somebody with a job title along those lines. If I were you I should contact your local Area Agency on Aging and ask their advice about how to protect his best interests in future. I know Craig isn't "aging" yet! - but as he is disabled by his stroke I'm pretty sure he'll be eligible for many aging and disability related services.
The trouble with giving this responsibility to a Nursing Home is that a) it's too short term - what if Craig needs or wants to move to a different home, or what if the NH undergoes a change of ownership and alters its services? b) it isn't likely that the NH would have people with adequate training in advocacy on its staff and c) there would be a potential conflict of interest there.
Advocacy in the context of health and social care isn't only about legalities, it covers every aspect of a person's life and ensures that the person's own voice gets heard.
What support has Craig had since 2012 (apart from your own, I mean!)? Are you in touch with stroke support groups, other parents of adult children, anything like that?
Since he goes to dialysis utilize the nephrologist there to help manage his conditions as the nephrologist is required to make rounds once per month or more.
What other specialists does he go to? If no one can go with him ask the staff to set up a three way call or have them put you on speaker while your son is at the visit so you can hear what is going on.
No, the Facility does not send a staff member with the resident. They may set up transportation but no one accompanies them.
At a care level, a Case Manager may be required. To oversee his needs - including arranging suport workers for medical appointments.
It may be useful to speak to a disability service for advice on how to have your son supported. Is there is stroke or carer advice line where you live?