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He has about 5-7 days before the hospital discharges him with nowhere to go and no funds to pay for anything.

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Tell the hospital you need help with placement as there is no safe place to discharge him.
By law they cannot discharge without a safe plan. Politely refuse to take him out without a nursing home plan, like rehab
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Did the hospital tell u they weren't releasing him to rehab? I didn't get that call until they were just about to release Mom. His hospital stay alone qualifies him for rehab, I would think. My friend broke a leg at age 70 and she spent time in rehab. This is the first thing u need to find out. If told no, ask why. There are some hospitals that have rehab on site.

Getting him in rehab will give u time to figure things out. The first
20 days Medicare pays for. 50% the next 80 days. Mybe u will get a better SW at the rehab level. Be very firm that your house is not safe and that your health problems make it impossible to care for him.
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I had to go to the administration when my dad was in a similar situation. I was being pushed, guilted, shamed, bullied and intimidated by the social worker that I just had to take my dad home.

Once I spoke with the social worker's boss I started getting help.

I went into the offices and said that I needed to talk to someone that could help my dad. When they said useless social worker, I said I have been trying to get help with no response. This caused all kinds of response. He went to rehab and rehabilitation helped me find the solution. They were more equipped to tell me what his capabilities were and what he needed help with.

Your situation is slightly different, it sounds like your dad will be getting Medicaid. Establishing what his daily care needs are will help you figure out what facility he will need long term. A nursing home won't just take him because he has no money and no place to go. There are different kinds of facilities and you really want him in the one that suits his needs.

Call the local area agency on aging and ask them for help. They should be able to direct you to all the agencies that offer help. This is going to take some effort on your part at the beginning.

Going through this the 1st time is scary and you feel clueless what to do. I know how you feel. Believe me that it will work out. Stand your ground and keep saying, "We need a safe release plan and I AM NOT IT" as many times as needed to get results.

Each state is different for what aid is available, what the requirements are for getting aid and what type of facilities are available. My dad went into a board and care facility that he could afford. He made 14.00 to much to qualify for assistance. It was the best choice available for him. Be prepared for him to be in less then pleasing conditions and don't nit pick everything, speaking from experience. I wish someone would have told me, stand back and let things shake out before you intervene. Would have saved me untold stress.

Today, take a deep breath, walk into the administrators office at the hospital and ask whom you can talk to that will help you with your dad, because he has been told that he can't live alone and you are NOT a safe release plan. Tell them that he needs rehabilitation to get as strong as possible and you understand that is part of the hospital's job, to get him into a rehabilitation facility that can meet that need and possibly transition to long term care if he needs that." Be diligent and don't let them bully you, keep asking to talk to a bigger boss if they don't help you. Be calm and rational as you do what you need to do to ensure that your dad is getting the care he needs.

Great big warm hug! You can do this.
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You must make yourself as comfortable as you can with the fact that you (nor anyone else) cannot always select a perfect choice or even a decent choice, when someone you love is permanently unable to live independently.

When you speak to the hospital social services staff, you will tell them that you CANNOT provide a safe living space for your father.

You will be called upon to establish his Medicaid eligibility.

He will be placed in a Medicaid eligible facility. After that, you can do the research of places conveniently located (if you wish) to you, and have him placed on a waiting list or moved to any that you think may best serve his needs.

This is a difficult process. Always remember that if you are doing your best on his behalf, no one is entitled to expect more of you.
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Does he have Medicare?

Have you asked the SW to assist in finding a Rehab Center? Has she given you a list?

Start calling and explain that this is a senior with no funds who will be eligible for Medicare-paid rehab, but that he will be transitioning to Medicaid pending status once his rehab eligibility runs out.

Not all rehabs accept Medicaid, so it is imperative that you ask this question or you will end up moving him again.

Once you've got a list of places that will accept Medicaid pending, go and visit.
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The person is my father and I love him dearly but cannot take him to my house as it's not safe. The social worker is not assisting at all and leaving everything in my lap. I am overwhelmed, to say the least and have health problems of my own which are taking a back seat to my father but they are getting worse.
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anonymous912123 Feb 2020
Say no, you cannot take him into your home. This will force the social workers hand, they will find a place for him. The state will become his guardian.
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It would be nice to know how you are involved with this person. If a friend, then make the Social Worker aware this person has no where to go. They can not legally release a person if its unsafe to do so.

If ur are related...we all have reasons why we cannot care for a relative. We don't have the room. We have to work so cannot provide 24/7 care. His/her actions are unsafe for my family. We r estranged. Has never been a parent to me. Or, we just don't want the responsibility. You cannot be made to do it. So, you inform a SW now that you will not take on the responsibility for this persons care. Don't wait til, the day of discharge. Give them time to find the person a place.
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Are you this person's PoA or guardian? Are you a family member and does the hospital have you listed as this person's contact? If you are on the hospital's radar they will probably contact (and pressure) you to come get him/her put you need to resist telling them it is an "unsafe discharge". In this scenario absolutely do not go to get this person, let the hospital social workers deal with the solution. If this senior has not named anyone to legally advocate for them, the county will pursue guardianship and will place them in a facility. It may be wherever they have room, so it could be anywhere in the county, maybe even the state.
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Hospital social worker will take care of this. Unfortunately, he may be placed in a not too highly rated place.
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