VA scheduled me ophthalmic plastic surgery. Why am I not eligible for a post-op skilled nursing facility stay?

Everyone's experience with surgery is different. It sounds that you could manage your own post-op care and ADLs but that your ability to supervise and care for your wife will be impaired. So, she is the one who needs a higher level of care.
The choices seems to be 24 hour live in CG to stay with you and your wife OR a short respite stay for her in a memory care or SNF setting.
It will be a challenging period of time, but you will get through it.

If they would approve post-op skilled nursing who would care for your wife while you were in rehab?
If you would have to hire someone to care for her you spend the same amount and hire someone to care for you and your wife. (it should not cost twice as much if they have to do light care for both of you)
Tell the truth you are safer at home than in a rehab facility. The high infection rate as well as the high number of people through a rehab facility places you and thus your wife in a higher risk group for picking up any infection, virus, bacteria that happens to be floating or swimming through the place.

So, you really have not had the surgery yet you are just going by what u have been told. To be honest, I don't think Medicare will see this as a rehab thing. Its like having cateracts done. You need to be able to do it yourself.

I think at this point you and your wife can no longer live in your home. I think finding a nice Assisted Living would be a good choice. Then the staff will be there to help you and care for your wife. You get 3 meals a day and snacks. You can leave if u need to knowing that ur wife will be safe and cared for. You will have activities and entertainment. Moms had holiday parties and birthday parties.

If you have the money to pay privately this would be my choice. You can sell ur home to help offset the cost. If you were able to get into rehab, I doubt wife would be excepted unless they have a nursing facility attached. You would have to pay privately for her care.

Sadok, ask to speak to a social worker at your doc's office, or at the hospital where this surgery will be performed

sadrok, if you are having excessive pain, bleeding, swelling, etc. you need to contact your surgeon immediately.