Busman's holiday

Crushed

I took a break from Alzheimer's yesterday to advocate for my older brother in the hospital .I wore a Jacket & tie for the first time in two years that was not to a funeral .  Their discharge planning was FUBAR. I got the meeting because I complained to the state regulators.   The brought two physicians and 5 staff members.   7-1 but they were no match.  I pointed out violations of regulations and when they And said "what happens if we cant find a place to discharge him"  I answered then he stays here that is the law

At that point they threw in the towel  and began serious efforts at planning and notification

As we were leaving one of the physicians said If I'm ever a patient in a  hospital I want you fighting for me  

Score

I will say I used everything I have learned advising folks here to  help my brother.  But thsi was the first time I actually put it to use 
 

jfkoc

I am not surprised by your success and can I please be next in line after the bright Dr?

Please share "state regulators" that one can call.

loveskitties

Excellent!  

So glad you were able and willing to fight for your brother's patient rights.  All too often the easy way out is the one taken regardless of rules in place.

Every LO deserves an advocate.

Ed1937

Cool!!

Joydean

Way to go Crushed! I’m sure your brother is a happy man and very proud of his brother!

Jo C.

Great outcome and way to go . . . once they found out you were an attorney; well, that certainly helped.   Can you inform us of what regulations you quoted to them ?  Federal, and/or state?

It would be helpful for those who do not know where to find such information or even what that information would be, but who have similar problems to be able to have at least a bit of a chance by having knowledge even if not as well spoken and educated to the issues as you are.

The one thing that always drove me nuts was when an accepting care facility could not be found in nearby areas to accept the patient following discharge from the acute med center, the way it works is for the discharge planners to move in concentric circles  going out and out and out farther each time until an accepting facility was finally found.  All failed placement attempts documented in the record of course and also provided to the family.  This was difficult as family members, often elders, had no way to get to visit far away care facilities often if at all.  Sometimes, the only single accepting facility would not be one notable for good care but was an only option.  The family not being accepting of a facility had no real options once a place to accept care was finally found except to take the patient home.   When good faith has been used and all local facilities called and admission turned down, the planners must then move farther and farther away until finding something. It can be a horrible situation.  

Anyway; once again, congratulations to both you and your older brother.  May the planners locate a good setting and care for him. 

J.

extex

Thanks for that information Crushed.  Standing up for your brother was certainly the right thing to do.

Thanks for that explanation also Jo.  That is the way it works in my state.  Bonnie was in acute care with a broken hip resulting from a fall at home.  The doctors were successful in repairing the broken hip but, since they couldn’t do anything about the advanced Alzheimer’s, the social workers had a really hard time finding a rehab facility that would accept her.  When they did finally find a couple they turned out to be among the lowest rated facilities and were not close to our residence.  Long story short, they gave me the option of moving her to one of the two facilities or taking her home.  I opted for the latter.

Pam BH

Job well done!  That must have been a good feeling knowing you not only helped your brother but won against regulators and red tape.  Bet you left with a big ol' smile as you went out the door.

David J

Well done, crushed!

Jo C.

ttt

piozam13

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