What usually happens at a care conference?

AngieJoy: Be prepared for them to "pull the rug out from under you." That's the best analogy of how to put what happened to our family. So I had to leave my home and move 400 miles away to move in with my mother who was living alone in her own home. Our goal was to have her live in a NH. She was transported from the hospital at one point to the NH. I had been there for 5 months. My brother finally arrives for his short 7 day stay stint. They had the family meeting at the NH, including my late mother (notice the word, LATE because that is a crucial element of my story). Also present for literally less than 45 seconds was the PT, who says "Sally (not mom's real name) is doing very well and able to walk XX number of minutes." He leaves the room. The staff says to us including mother "you're too well to stay here." They actually were WRONG-IN FACT DEAD WRONG AS MY LATE MOTHER SUFFERED AN ISCHEMIC STROKE LESS THAN 48 HOURS LATER THERE!!!!! She deceased at the hospital several days later. To the OP, fair warning, e.g. these facilities are slick!!

All the different departments at the facility will give an overview of your dad...his particular needs, evaluation of his current abilities, his diagnosis', and his progress. For instance, the dietary department will review his current diet and his personal diet preferences and his intake. Nursing will cover his assessments as to physical abilities, cognition, level of assistance needed, diagnosis, current treatment plan and medications. Rehab should give you an overview on dad's progress and the focus of his therapy. I would think that an estimate of the time needed to meet his goals will be given, but if it isn't, don't hesitate to ask! And don't hesitate to participate. Any facility worth it's reputation will welcome your input.

Usually they can give you an idea based on the progress being made, of when the patient can be sent home. You may ask questions of the NH staff present at the meeting. Upon finishing rehab, they should let you know about a week or so in advance so that any equipment needed can be ordered and in place, such as wheelchairs, commodes, or hospital beds. Once NH my Mom was in for rehab had 2 physical therapists come to her home with us to assess what might be needed, grab bars, chairs with arms to make getting up from table easier, etc. They laws may vary from state to state on home assessment but they were helpful in making suggestions which we followed about chairs and grab bars.

When I had my meeting, I was told Mom was as far as she could go. This was a Thurs. but they kept her till Tues. Thinking back I should have asked to have her released. If all rehab was for was to make him stronger then I wouldn't go on pasted the 20days. Talk to ur AL and see if they allow an agency to come in for therapy. Moms AL has two that can come in. The rehab will milk Medicare for as long as they can. Dad may do better back at his AL. This is something you need to run by the RN in charge at his AL before ur conference.

First question, why was rehab recommended? Does he have Dementia or Alzheimers? Rehab was recommended for my Mom after a UTI. She was in for five days. Went to rehab and in my opinion did nothing. She had therapy 2x a day. The rest of the time she was in an uncomfortable wheelchair not allowed to get up. Previously she walked all over her AL with a walker. Because of her Dementia she was scared and confused. I told them going in that she was not staying passed the 20 days Medicare pays 100percent. At 21days Medicare only pays 50 percent. After supplimental Mom still owed $150 which she doesn't have. I was told she would need someone with her at all times when she walked. Our AL nurse disagreed. Mom wasn't back to her AL one day when she was walking all over with her walker. You can request a rep from the AL to be present or on a conference call. At Moms AL the residents come and go to the hospital. Hospice is even allowed at the AL. It all depends on what ur willing to pay for his care at the AL if they keep him. They have levels. If it becomes skilled nursing then a NH is needed.

If he is in a subacute rehab (usually in a nursing home), they will often try to keep him as long as his insurance/medicare will pay. If he is at a point where he can return home (to his assisted living) and the facility agrees, you may have an interesting discussion on your hands.

When we attended my dad's care conference in rehab, all departments were represented that were involved in his care. They each gave a report, we were allowed to ask questions and give input. We reached a decision to proceed with AL upon his release. It was a seamless meeting.

I agree: be prepared. In my state most such conferences are 12-14 minute rubber stamps.

Sometimes assisted living can't take them back. In NY, if you are hospitalized, the facility has to re-evaluate the patient to see if AL can meet their needs. That's part of state health law. Be sure you know the AL rules.

When my mom was in rehab for a stroke, they told us how long they estimated she'd be there. They ended up extending that time frame due to mom developing vascular dementia.

Why are you in a rush to discharge him?