Because I don't live in NY and have no friends to check on him. I’ve been flying every time he’s in hospital/assisted living. Any ideas how I can get help when he’s in hospital or rehab trying to get physical therapy, proper care, etc.?
I’m at my wits' end trying to get his nurse/dr to call me. I need to know he’s being taken care of since he’s fallen while in rehab. An aide was kind enough to tell me he needs help eating. Any ideas are appreciated.
I'm confused about whether he is living on his own, or is in an assisted living facility full time.
If he needs more assistance, perhaps it is time to consider moving him to a long term care nursing home.
As others have pointed out, you should have him give you medical and durable power of attorney. He also would need to name you on Hipaa forms when he is admitted for medical care, as an authorized person to receive information, otherwise, doctors and nurses can not legally divulge any personal information to you.
My brother fell ill with his Lewy's dementia while he lived in Southern Cal and I in Northern Cal. I had to make the trips, and I can't imagine how otherwise it would be done.
No doctor can speak with you about him without his explicitly giving permission to said doctor and signing release on HIPAA forms. Without a solid POA drawn by a good attorney with a competent brother assigning you as his POA you won't be able to act for him in any ways. As to falls in rehab: they happen.
I think you will need to make a trip or remain somewhat helpless in all truth, unless your brother can speak with you well enough to explain everything going on.
I worked for a company like this for a few years.
If your brother resides within NYC - ACCESS NY (access.nyc.gov).
These websites will have guidance as to what your brother (and family) may be entitled.
You need to find out about all of the above. Without those things done, it's unlikely that any info about him can be legally shared with you. And if that is the case, you may have to back out and stop trying to do the impossible. You, as his only family, are not obligated to take charge, especially if you don't have and will never have the tools you need to help him.