Compassionate Caregiving Visitation Rights

loc3762

Hi All,  I think everyone needs to contact the Department of Health in your state and demand that compassionate caregiving visitation rights be honored regardless of any hospital, nursing home, or rehab facility.

I'll keep this short.  My DH was taken to the hospital for a possible stroke when he suddenly was unable to stand, balance, or walk.  I was allowed to stay in his room for the duration of his stay.  

DH was transferred to a nursing/rehab on this past Wednesday.  Upon being transferred I was told that I wouldn't be able to see him that day.  I immediately signed up for 9 am the following day.  The nursing home said I was only allowed 45 minutes in a visiting room.  I mention compassionate caregiving rights.  I was told due to the number of covid cases it was not possible at this time.  I saw my DH the next morning in the visiting room where I gave him kisses and hugs and rubbed his arm.

After my visition with my husband I contact our local Ombudmen's office to let them know that the nursing home was not allowing me compassionate caregiving visits.  I explained my husband condition and that i was his life-line.  Ombudmen's contacted the nursing home and a case worker called me.  I explained that I wanted compassionate caregiving right and to see my husband for more than 45 minutes a day.  I also sign up for a scheduled visit for Friday morning (the next day).

When I arrived on Friday morning, I was told that I would have to meet with my husband outside in the courtyard.  I said fine.  The staff then stated that because of covid I was not allowed to touch, kiss, or hold his hand.  When the visition was over I confronted the Admission staff stating that I had special compassionate caregiving rights.  Again I was told that wasn't possible.  I said that I was going to discharge my husband on Monday (today), but I wanted to visition him both days over the weekend.

They said I could not see him on Saturday that there wasn't any available time.  Sunday morning I was giving a 10 time slot.  I didn't press the Saturday issue because I was having a hospital bed, foley lift and other equipment delivered.  Plus I had to rearrange the living room to set everything up.  Basically get everything done for him to come home.  Sunday arrived and I showed up at the nursing home.  I was told that there wasn't enough staff so I could not see him.  Maybe if I came back at 4 pm I might be able to see him (I am a 40 minute drive from the nursing home).  I left and came back at 4 and I did get to see him.

Anyways,  The Alzheimer's Association, the Department of Health, the Ombudmen, and all of you need to complain and sure that compassionate caregiving visitation rights are not a hospital/nursing home/rehab option but a patients bill of rights.  The I left a message with Ombudmen yesterday after being denied my visit stating that I wanted to file an official complaint againt the nursing home.

My husband is coming home today but I suggest you do this now so it NEVER happens to another Alzheimer's or any patient again.  Thank you for listening, Leslie

Crushed

loveskitties

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