Worse after rehab?

Update - she really perked up after some IV fluids. They are keeping her for observation, hopefully not for too long, and as soon as cultures are back they will begin more antibiotics. I think at the rehab they mistakenly attributed her lethargy and unresponsiveness to the Alzheimer's, when it was really infection and dehydration. She does have Alzheimer's, that's not really in dispute, but she's always been talkative and interested in what's going on, even if she does tell me about how her dead husband told her it was perfectly all right to drink Clorox (she has no access to the Clorox, rest assured) and that we have another house right next to this one. So I am hopeful, but will take yall's advice and try to be more proactive about being informed and keeping my roommate informed. Also I am going to go through the discharge papers with a fine tooth comb, since they include some daily notes and things. I really appreciate the help and support!

Either her underlying condition has gotten worse, OR there are unrecognized drug side effects - did they by any chance add an antipsychotic medication?

Loki, as I see it you have two problems. The mom's time is very short. The daughter does not understand the medical terms and has simply opted to block out any possibility of her mom dying. If you talk to her about Hospice, she will accuse you of wanting her mother to die. Let the nurses and social workers work through her emotions with her.

You might consider asking her family, especially if any are proxies under a medical or legal POA, to order a copy of the records. This sounds like a bad case of neglect.

You can also do some research through a local ombudsperson (individual or agency) and learn more about this facility. Some of the bad ones are well known.

Is she getting any home care nursing or physical therapy? This would the ideal situation, especially since the home care company would receive limited care information (which should include meds) that could shed some light on what happened.

If the prior facility won't script for home care, ask one of her physicians. This lady needs some help.

I appreciate all the answers - I was in total freakout mode. She went to the actual hospital today; apparently she has an infection but they don't know where it is, and that's the cause of the unresponsiveness. So, CT scan, chest x-ray, blood, urine, etc., and they started IV fluids right away. As far as her prognosis, one nurse suggested hospice and my roommate kind of flipped out and said no way. Other than that I don't know, except that in her discharge papers she's got a diagnosis of end-stage Alzheimer's along with the ulcers and contractures. I hope she's able to rally from this. :( My new action plan is to take over the paperwork. Roommate doesn't know what half of it means and also doesn't like to think or talk about the illness, so she just lays it down somewhere and half the time I never see it. I work in medical records, so I can translate it for her and also keep myself more informed. Then maybe I won't feel so helpless! Thanks again everyone.

If the Alzheimer's diagnosis is correct and not a misinterpretation or assumption, yes, it may be time to think about comfort rather than rallying to recovery. But seriously, do let them treat the infection and then again question whether psychoactive medications have been addded that could be knocking her out. The deterioriation sounds a little acute to pin it on Alzheimer's.

I hope you can find a sympathetic physician who will go over things with daughter and fully address the possibility of anything reversible, in a compassionate way.

Thank you vstefans - my son's name is Stefan :D - I have asked my roommate to get the medical records so we can get an idea what's going on. I appreciate the responses from people soooo much!

I'm sorry for the shock you must have felt at the state she came home in. Keep an open mind, though, won't you, until you have all the information; because if you assume that something must have gone wrong and can therefore be put right, but it sadly turns out instead to be an unavoidable progression that can't be reversed, it will be harder to accept what's happened and focus on making her as comfortable as possible.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for her, all the same! And your roommate is a lucky person to have a staunch friend like you with her in this.

I really wish I could take advantage of hospice for my Dad who is not going to die any time soon but whose quality of life is rather low. Hospice is a service, not a place, and I hear they offer emotional support for someone who needs it, like he does. If there is any chance that they are eligible please interview different hospice companies before you commit and find a good one who isn't in it for the money. It sounds like she is getting all the emotional support needed from you you guys and maybe doesn't need more. But they might help your friend as things get worse. I think you are doing a marvelous job.

I didn't mean to blame anyone here for what happened. I was scared and frustrated when I posted and I appreciate all the responses, because they calmed my fears and helped me formulate a plan of what to do. The lady is still in the hospital because the rehab sent her home malnourished, dehydrated, and with a massive infection to boot, which they still haven't found the source of. We're hoping that when she is hydrated and nourished a little more, she will be able to pass a swallow eval. Otherwise she will have to go to SNF. I only want this lady to be healthy, or, if she is going to go, I'd like her to go easy and in comfort. Sorry if I offended anyone.