This happened to us. My husband was sent home after only nine days after hip surgery. He was getting along but going home was a HUGE shock for both of us. We spent a horrible first weekend trying to manage. The following week it got better but he really needed more time in rehab. I do regret that I did not follow the advice of pamstegman listed here.. I could have and should have.
They discharge when they feel the person has plateaued with their therapies. My mom was discharged at a moment I felt was too early, but coming home worked wonders for her. She made a lot more progress with the at-home therapists who focused on core strength, balance, and function. At the rehab center, they seemed to be mostly about strength. I don't know your father's exact situation; maybe it really is too early for him. As pamstegman said, lay your reasons out for the discharge coord. But consider the idea that coming home and continuing therapy at home may be the best medicine.
I remember how, at discharge, the social worker at the rehab center told me that my mom was "looking a bit too comfortable in her wheelchair" and that he thought she'd make little progress at home. I felt like hitting him over the head. What do they expect when they don't allow patients to get out of their chairs other than to go to the bathroom or their daily 50 minute PT session. What are they supposed to do? Sit in their chairs and make sure they keep themselves looking uncomfortable?
If insurance is paying for his stay, that will probably be the reason he is being discharged. Raise your concerns with his doctor and insurance company.
Perhaps the dischage coordinator has yet to explain his care plan for at home, they typically do have a plan that includes further follow-up appointments with PT/OT. They never just send a truly helpless senior home, who cannot care for themselves. I wish we could hear more about how your situation turns out? Could you please post an update? Best wishes for a trouble-free transition.
On April 21, 2013, my mom was placed in rehabilitation nursing home for a fractured left pelvis. Two weeks later, Kaiser SSF Medicare was going to stop paying and informed that Mom was ready to go home. My family from out of state disagreed because Mom was too fragile to be moved that soon. So we appealed, and Medicare coverage was extended for only one more week until May 21st. But, I did not find a board-and care place until May 28th, and moved her in on June 2nd. Mom's cash had to pay $8,000.00+ as a private patient at the nursing home prior to moving her to the board-and-care home! POA family member had been writing her checks from Mom's account paying off these bills for at least one year for just 3 uninsured weeks in that nursing home!
Determining what the insurance is limit for how manys day for rehab. people are sent home earlier unless there is some type of complication like chest pain during rehab or problem breathing. Then he can stay longer. Also get home therapy forhim.
Daffodilgal, be very clear at his care conference what you can and cannot do for him at home on your own. They should do an assessment of his home situation as part of determining what services he will need at home. For example, will he need someone to help him bathe? Is he going to have in-home physical or occupational therapy? Will he need a hospital bed, and where will it be placed? Can he get to the bathroom safely from there, or does he need a bedside commode?
Perhaps once you understand the entire plan for him you will be more comfortable about it, but do take Pam's advice and explain all your concerns.
Hospitals are reimbursed by diagnosis. For the diagnosis of Hip Replacement, Medicare will pay X days worth of care. If the hospital sends him home at X-2 days, they pocket the cash. Ask the hospital's social worker, and ask Medicare, how many hospital days his diagnosis/age category is worth, plus how many days of in-patient rehab he is entitled to. Should be able to transfer him to a rehab facility for care for a week or two, to bridge him over the rough spot. Just be aware rehab centers can be breeding grounds for antibiotic resistant infections. Plus everything Jeannegibbs just said.
I remember how, at discharge, the social worker at the rehab center told me that my mom was "looking a bit too comfortable in her wheelchair" and that he thought she'd make little progress at home. I felt like hitting him over the head. What do they expect when they don't allow patients to get out of their chairs other than to go to the bathroom or their daily 50 minute PT session. What are they supposed to do? Sit in their chairs and make sure they keep themselves looking uncomfortable?
Perhaps once you understand the entire plan for him you will be more comfortable about it, but do take Pam's advice and explain all your concerns.