Family is concerned about rehab because my grandpa is unable to use the call button or tell someone if needs something or is in pain. What to do?

The time he spends in a rehab should give you a little extra time to set up home care. When you get to the facility, make sure the social worker, the director of nursing, and the charge nurse are aware of his limitations.

While in the hospital, nurses do rounds to check on all patients. He cannot go home, but to the rehab unit of an NH.

I'm just curious as to how he was faring in the hospital. Based on my experience, the hospitials don't send anyone into the rooms except to check vitals, give meds and bring meals. I've never noticed much checking on someone to monitor them. I've often had to chase down staff in the hospital for anything my parent needed and wait my turn.  And if they did ring the call button, you wait forever. Just wondering how rehab would be any less helpful than hospital.

When my mom was in rehab, I had a CNA be there with her 8-12 hours a day because she can't feed herself or hit the call button, or express properly what she needs, and to keep her company. The rehab only sends someone into the room at meal time to leave a tray, and whenever meds are scheduled. Anything else, you have to be there or hire someone to take care of your loved one so they are not neglected.

I agree with above. If he's going to be going home, with asthma, Alzheiemers, etc. I'd go ahead and get the around the clock caregivers or explore the Assisted Living while he's in rehab. Some facilities have a campus with Nursing home, Rehab, Assisted Living, etc. all in the same building or next to each other.

Melissa, sorry to read about your Grandfather's surgery... I had something like that decades ago, extremely painful prior to surgery.... it took some while to diagnosis what was wrong.  But I was younger back then.  I couldn't imagine having to go through that surgery today.

It takes elders longer to heal from surgeries, from broken bones, just about anything.   I remembered I couldn't leave the hospital until my bowels were working once again.   I didn't have any rehab.

Rehab is good, even for an elder.   Since Grandfather probably had been in bed most of those 11 days, he needs exercise.   I am sure a Physical Therapist at the hospital had been walking him daily.   The hospital likes to get you out of bed within 24 hours of surgery, if not sooner. 

I wouldn't worry about rehab facility, this isn't their first rodeo with an Alzheimer's patient.   They know exactly what to do.

As for going home, yes, it is time he has around the clock care... mainly 3 eight hour shifts of caregivers.   Would he be able to afford that?   If not, Assisted Living would be less costly if you find one that will take Grandfather in his current condition.   Otherwise, he may need to go into long term care.  Or apply for Medicaid which would pay for his nursing home care.