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Needhelp3 Asked January 2020

What are options for care for my dad with a fractured hip, pelvis, rib and punctured lung besides a skilled facility?

My dad was very active and doesn't take any meds other than vitamins. He fell off of a ladder over a week ago. Now the hospital wants to discharge him to a skilled facility. I want to know if there's any other options? He is strong and didn't require surgery. I'm an LPN with some pt experience but I just want the best care for him. I don't think he understands what a skilled facility is.

GardenArtist Jan 2020
NeedHelp3, I can certainly understand  the desire not to go to a skilled facility, but the care will be more extensive and inclusive than it could possibly be at home, as will the PT and OT.   

These are step-down situations, from the hospital to rehab, then to home.    Skipping that rehab step means the care will be less comprehensive and the challenges will be longer.          

Even if he doesn't need surgery, he'll find himself more tired and less energetic while he heals, even if he is one of the super men (like my father) who has high goals and pursues them.    Recovery takes longer as we age as well (as I'm discovering for myself.)

My father also enjoyed the company.  Sometimes a home care company has really good people who know how to interact positively with others, and that heightens the healing experience.

CTTN55 Jan 2020
With all of those issues, he is going to need assistance. Please don't consider having him discharged to home where you are the only one to help. You could injure yourself!

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BarbBrooklyn Jan 2020
Are they sending him to the facility for rehab? In other words, a temporary stay?

If he is healthy and in good shape aside from his injuries, he might do well in a good acute rehab place where he will get PT twice a day.

With home PT, you would be the one needing to motivate him to do his exercises each day. Somehow, it seems parents never want to listen to their "kids" about that sort of thing.

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