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My father-in-law has dementia and after being hospitalized, was placed in a facility paid for by the state of California. The facility is 385 miles away. He is getting worse by the day and we don't expect him to live much longer. He was admitted back into the hospital a couple of days ago. The facility he is in is not equipped to handle patients in his condition. He has stopped eating and doctors don't think he has much more time to live. Knowing he could pass any day, family members would like to see him and say goodbye. There is no reason he is in a facility so far away other than that the facility was the one who responded that they had an open bed first when the state was looking for somewhere to place him. How do we get him moved to a facility closer to his home town where all his family is before he passes away? His dementia came on unexpectedly and has progressed extremely quick that no one was ready for it. He has a case worker who I will be calling but was hoping someone may have tips or advice on how to get him moved and as quickly as possible. Thanks.

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Why is it up to the state to pay for your FIL to be moved to a facility closer to his family?
Who is your FIL's POA? Does he have one. That person can have him moved to a different facility and if he needs medical transport, the family can pay for it. If it's important then everyone can chip in.
The state can't be expected to pay for everything.
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I am assuming that the state is the guardian?
These problems are what occur when the state has to take over, when there is no family either willing or willing and able to do POA work or assume conservatorship over an elder.
The state will decide where the placement is best done. The caseworker will keep family informed and will remain the contact.
You describe someone now approaching end of life. This is not a time for this person to be moved to you, but for you to do the best you can in visiting where the patient is receiving care.
If the facility cannot accept the patient back they will be in communication with the state and in facility hospice or other placement will be arranged.
I hope you will be able to visit. As you are not POA calls to staff or case workers will only be able to supply you with so much information. I wish you the best going forward.
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Did the State take over his care and became guardian? Is Medicaid paying for his care? Is it because this was the closest Medicaid bed available? Does someone have POA?

I was POA for my Mom and she received Medicaid. At no time did I feel that I was not still in charge of my Moms care. Meaning, if I didn't like the NH that was available at the time she needed it, I could have her transferred somewhere else when a bed came available. Just because Medicaid is footing the bill, doesn't mean family is not in charge. Now if the State has guardianship, thats a different story. In that instance, you contact the guardian that has been assigned, and ask them if they can move Dad closer.

Again, if you mean by State, Medicaid and there is a POA, then you can research on you own for an open bed closer and have Dad transferred. The SW at the new place can help you handle the transfer. Not sure how you can handle it if no POA. Who made decisions concerning Dads care?
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You are correct in concluding that he went to the first Medicaid bed that was available. With my step-FIL, who was a ward of the county, we petitioned to the guardian that him being over an hour away was a hardship for us, mainly because my MIL was wheelchair-bound and she couldn't afford a Medical Van to take her to see him every week. They did honor our request to be closer but he went to a worse facility. Just keep making the case about travel hardships plus his dire prognosis as an urgent situation. The social systems are overwhelmed with people in crisis right now.
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