My Dad has been in a nursing facility since he had a stroke 2 months ago. When he first went in the facility, they insisted he have 24/7 sitters because he is a fall risk and exhibits dementia-like behavior (agitation and combativeness). At that time, the facility said we would only need to employ the sitters for a week or two. It has now been 8 weeks and the facility is insisting the sitters continue indefinitely. The sitters are extremely expensive and we can't afford them. Has anyone had experience with this type of situation? Is there a place for someone like my Dad, where he can get skilled nursing care (which he needs) without the sitters? Please help.
Is the facility short staffed? They have others to care for too.
My mom was moved to a care home many fewer residents that worked better for her.
Talk with the facility about cutting back hours for starters. Maybe a geriatric psychiatric assessment to adjust meds to find something that will keep him more comfortable.
You might private message me what state, city and facility he's in, and I may be able to find a referral for you for an elder attorney.
I would also say that, there are laws that protect patients from being over-medicated, so the care facility has to be mindful of those regulations, as their license could be at risk. And, if he is in an assisted living facility as opposed to a skilled or long-term care facility, then he is in the wrong place. Again, if you get an elder care attorney, you are likely to find that you will suddenly be able to find a bed for him in a more appropriate level of care -- as well as more appropriate care for him.
See All Answers