What can I do if I have exhausted all avenues? Guardianship?
My father was transferred to a SNF about 2.5 hours from me. I contacted the Administrator by phone and email, letting them know to contact me for any reason. The SNF I finally found out on day 6 will not recognize my DPOA. I couldn't believe it. They tested my father with the BIM's and decided he did NOT have alzheimers and he could leave if he wanted too. I explained to them that the BIMS test is for assessment, not meant to override the Neuropsychologist reports and diagnosis. That definitely got me flagged. My father has been there 2 weeks. I still don't have a care plan, they refuse to involve me. I have sent my DPOA to them 5 times. Now the National heart institute called and reported to me that the SNF missed his follow up appt and the SNF told them they didn't know he had one. Well its on his discharge papers. They are still refusing to transport him to the new appointment. Even if they don't do it themselves they are suppose to set up transport for his appointments outside of the facility. I decided to do more research on this facility, but honestly it never occurred to me that a social worker at a hospital would send him to a bad SNF. I started research and discovered this Facility only rates a 1, has been fine $140,000 for neglect, abuse, stolen money, not enough food, not enough pharmaceuticals. I started my search with medicare.gov, this is all public record. This facility had me pay 3 months upfront, I have never heard of that before. The amount was ridiculous! So I got the cashier check and signed him in at the hospital. So how they can say I don't have DPOA its not logical. My father is VA so he had to be self pay at this SNF. But the place he was to transfer next , the social worker arranged , is just as horrid as the one he is in now.I am currently searching and calling for a new facility. At this point I don't know how to fix this as fast as I think it should be handled. I have worked at a lot of facilities, this one stinks, and dirty , and the food had no color , not one resident had on clean clothes or hair brushed. I'm disgusted. I did report it with state dept and Ombudsman. Has anyone gone through this?? Thanks 😊
12 Answers
Popular Questions
Related Questions
- How do I get information from Social Security for my father who has mild dementia? I have been commissioned as his guardian.
- Does POA/Co-Trustee/Medical POA equate to guardian?
- My mom has severe dementia and is first in line to be POA for my dad
- Can a "bank" POA override a "Durable Power of Attorney" of vise versa? Does conservatorship override a durable POA.
Yes, unfortunately, some can be really bad. Many SNF's are owned by a group of investors just looking for a profit - at any cost - not enough care assistants, not enough nurses, over-worked bare bones staff, old equipment, anywhere they can cut corners to improve their profit.
There are some well-run care facilities, but you have to tour before choosing one, preferably closer to you so you can check in on him often. Please don't do this by phone, or on the referral of someone else! If you have to take vacation days off work to do this, you really must see the places in person and meet with an admissions director before hand!
Observe the staff; do they seem harried, stressed, unhappy? How do the patients look? Are they clean, safe? Is someone keeping an eye on them?
Are there snacks available, what does the food look like?
Does he have a "Service Connected Disability %" that has been assigned?
You might want to try to get the VA involved here as well.
Depending on if he has a % rating he may qualify for one of the VA facilities.
Also you might want to check to see if there are any VA Medical Foster Homes in his area . These are homes that a family (or person) goes through a process and is background checked, the home inspected, people trained to take in Veterans that wish to remain in a more home like environment but can not remain at home as they need care. The Veteran pays the homeowner but it will be less than a facility.
D = Durable which means it is in effect as soon as it is signed. You need one each for financial and medical.
Is your Dad telling them something different? Does he believe he needs your intervention?
You shouldn't need guardianship, but maybe a discussion with your Dad and a consult with a certified elder law attorney.
"I explained to them that the BIMS test is for assessment, not meant to override the Neuropsychologist reports and diagnosis".
THAT above as #1.
But I would also be looking to move him (closer if possible) to a much more professional facility.