Follow
Share

Some days where he is clear minded and others very lethargic. He is now seventy days post hip surgery with a set back if bleeding ulcer. Not sure if NH/ rehab center is helping. Very good recently but past three days very lethargic. Today looked totally out of it, yet I was told he just finished rehab.

I do not totally trust these nursing homes/ rehab centers. He had neurological exam and needs shoukder x Ray. My brother takes everything they say as gospel, while I am skeptical and think they only want the money.

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Find Care & Housing
Can you give us more info? How old is your dad? What's been his general cognitive level/physical health before the hip replacement surgery? General anesthesia can really take a toll on seniors, so your dad is fighting the effects of that, as well as his overall medical condition.

My dad had a stroke in his early 80s and went to rehab and then to a nursing home for further rehab. In his case, it really, really helped him. It totally wore him out, but he worked hard (which was unusual for him - he was generally pretty lazy), I think because he understood he needed to work to get back to some level of independence. I'm sure a part of it depends on the nursing home and their level of knowledge/care. I can understand your dad being totally pooped (and seeming to be out of it) after working at rehab. Can you attend some of his sessions to see what is happening and how they work with your dad?

Tell us more about your dad and you'll get some good answers.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

When did the ulcer crop up? What is being done about it? What pain relief and/or anti-clotting medications are prescribed? Who besides you has noticed the sudden lethargy? - did you discuss it with anyone?

Never be afraid to ask questions - I'd be worried too.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

I think you need the Neuro results and the shoulder X ray to make a good decision. Keep all your options open, but if he is not making progress after 70 days in rehab, consider long-term care. If he is a vet, pull in the VA.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Is there a doctor's order for his temperature to be taken once a day? Unless there's an order, it won't be done. Same with BP. The staff will do what is written in orders from the doctor or Nurse practitioner. It's very different from a hospital. It took me several months to find that out.

That being said, is this a place with a good rating from the centers for Medicare and Medicaid? Are you thinking of moving him?
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

How old is your dad? what kind of hip surgery? Have you or your brother been there during his physical therapy sessions?

Were the results of the neuro exam reported to you? Why does he need a shoulder Xray? Sorry to ask so many questions. If it's a reputable rehab center, they are closely monitored by the government. Your dad has passed the 20 day mark where Medicare is paying the full cost; dad is now paying a co-pay, unless he's on Medicaid.

Are social workers talking about discharge yet? Do they think that he will be able to return home? Have you spoken to the doctor who is directing his care?
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Lethargic in part due to fever. Yes he was a VET and the prior bleeding ulcer was checked at time after hip replacement via colonoscopy. He received at least six or seven transfusions at the time.
Now just needs attention to shoulder and neck. Looked better today and tonight no fever. Trying to get him to drink plenty of water. Yet I am not always there and have little faith in staff.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

What would you like the staff to be doing that they are not?
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Be more attentive. The nurse at night giving him medicine did not even know he had temperature. I had to get her to check his temperature. Plus only help this afternoon. At night I worry they are not making sure he us getting nutrition or drinking. I have found without an advocate these places do not care so much except for getting paid. Just my opinion and observations.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Would like him to finish out his current stay. He has 49 days left. Temperature has been back to normal for past two days, eats on own and is communicating.
He did do PT in his bed but needs X-ray fir neck, shoulder and tie naiks clipped.

Just need him to be able to stand and walk to bathroom. At that point being home with me and extra help woukd be a vast improvement in every way.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter