PT with a dementia patient is an exercise in futility. They have neither the ability or the desire to exercise, nor should they be forced into it. Any patient requiring 24/7 care needs either full time caregivers at home to tend to their needs, or placement in a long term care environment. Hospice is also a good idea if there is no chance of improving. And with just dementia at play, there is no chance for improvement, unfortunately.
Me, I would have not taken this person home. I would have had them evaluated for 24/7 care. If found 24/7 care was needed, I would have had them transferred from the Hospital to a nice Long-term care facility. Then whatever money they had I would have used for their care and when almost gone, applied for Medicaid. If no money, I would place them with Medicaid pending. This us easier to do when Rehab is involved. Most have a LTC attached so easy transfer from Rehab into LTC.
Not being able to feed or toilet herself is a good reason to say no, not caring for this person. If the person is in their own home, its called an "unsafe" discharge to release them to home without someone to care for them and proper equipment and needs put in place.
Sorry, Sally. Your profile says only that you are caring for SOMEONE. We need more info.
What relation is this 88 year old to you? What medical conditions does she have that preclude her ability to do her own feeding and taking care of herself in the bathroom?
Are you the POA or guardian of this elder? We will be able, hopefully, to help if we know what's going on. Wishing you the best of luck.
If you are her caregiver and her care is now just too much for you, then it's time to be looking at placing her in the appropriate facility where she will receive the 24/7 care she requires. But if you're not her POA or guardian, then there's not much you can do. It will be up to that person to place her.
Not being able to feed or toilet herself is a good reason to say no, not caring for this person. If the person is in their own home, its called an "unsafe" discharge to release them to home without someone to care for them and proper equipment and needs put in place.
What relation is this 88 year old to you?
What medical conditions does she have that preclude her ability to do her own feeding and taking care of herself in the bathroom?
Are you the POA or guardian of this elder?
We will be able, hopefully, to help if we know what's going on. Wishing you the best of luck.
But if you're not her POA or guardian, then there's not much you can do. It will be up to that person to place her.
What else to do is decided by what outcome you are hoping for and what she is actually capable of.
Is she unable to feed/toilet herself due to an injury or illness (hence the PT) or from her progressing dementia? Is she completely bedbound?
Maybe consider LTC in a good facility (and if she qualifies, Medicaid will cover this along with her SS). Or is she ready for hospice?
Thanks for any other info you can provide about her situation, and yours.