Mom lost her bed at the nursing home she was in because she was in the hospital a few weeks she was discharged to the most vile nursing home in town..it is horrible and even the nurse told me to not leave my mom there they don't take care of their patients...I'm trying to get her transferred to a better nursing home but no open beds...I don't have guardianship or POA...My story is a long one...can I just take her home?
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I sure hope you have a restful night; this has got to be such so traumatic for you.
I've only shown my DPOA once, and that was over a decade ago when Dad was going to be intubated. NEVER have I actually had to present it when making decisions for placement.
Perhaps our hospital is more flexible, perhaps it's because I'm the only close relative and we've been there so much some of the staff recognize us. Or perhaps it's because I can haul myself up and stand rigid like a solider and be forceful when I need to be, and start talking legal speak if someone challenges me. And I've had to do that a few times. People back down quickly when I get in a legal speak mode!
I think your plan to take her home while you work things out might be the best, even with her physical limitations. And I really hope your Medicaid social workers comes through for you - you need a break!
Rest peacefully tonight, and think of Scarlet O'Hara's words when she despairs after Rhett Butler has walked out on her: "tomorrow IS another day!" And I hope it will be for you as well.
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If you take your mom out of this NH, do you have plans where she will go? I remember your writing that she’s combative. I’d have to say it wouldn’t be a good idea for her to come live with you, would it? As far as getting her discharged, just tell the Social worker at the home that you’re taking her out. She’s not being held prisoner there. Do you have either POA or guardianship? That would make it easier.
Plan how you will do this and what you’re going to do before you do it. That will make it easier on both of you.
If you feel she needs additional care at a good facility, ask one of her doctors about writing a script for continuing care, post hospitalization, on the basis of (a) loss of bed at the former nursing home, and (b) unsatisfactory situations at the existing one.
Check out my answer on this thread:
https://www.agingcare.com/questions/transfer-to-another-rehab-facility-215614.htm
That's how I handled a change of facilities, based on advice from one of my father's treating doctors.
The issue might be that if she comes home now, will she be able to recover well w/o home care, so consider that, and get a script either from the existing place or your mother's doctor for home care if you want to take that route.
The doctor at the unsatisfactory facility would be the one to discharge your mother, but you can work with the social worker to get to that point. You don't have to provide a reason for the discharge; just calmly and politely advise the DON or Administrator or doctor that you've decided to make a change in your mother's placement.
And when's she's safely out of there, contact the state ombudsperson and share your experiences with this place.
BTW, did the discharge planner at the hospital ask YOU for your opinion of which replacement facility appealed to you? If not, he/she should have.