I live at the Arizona State Veteran Home in Phoenix, Arizona. In 2019 and prior we had independent travel. This is where you were deemed cognizant and aware and responsible and you met their criteria to be able to leave on your own and return on your own unescorted. After the Covid they refused to give us back what we believe is our right. They give us an answer that this is a Medicare rule that we cannot have independent travel, and along with that reasoning, they say because we are in a 24/7 facility that we need to be monitored 24/7. It is rather contradictory because you can go home for a few days and stay at home for a few days, which at that time you are not being monitored in the facility 24/7. I believe they are using some wiggle room to set a rule which is beneficial for them. If this is a Medicare rule where we cannot leave except being escorted where is this to be found? Also I would wanna argue the reasoning they give us the 24/7. Thanks for any advice one can give.
https://www.agingcare.com/questions/arizona-state-veteran-home-phoenix-take-away-right-to-independent-travel-474279.htm
Have you taken any of the suggestions offered to you in those comments back in April?
As an internet forum of caregivers to elderly loved ones, we are not in a position to answer such a question which refers to Medicare rules and regulations in your facility. You would be better off calling Medicare directly to ask your question.
Good luck!
If Medicaid is paying for your care, you have a caseworker assigned to you. Call them and run your question by them. If you get nowhere with them, call your State Ombudsman. The facility has the number and must give it to you. If they won't look up Ombudsman under your State government.