Mom fell!

MissOldMom

My mom fell a few days ago (was using her walker just like she always does) and it was right after she woke up to take her dog out so she was probably a bit groggy and it looks like she either lost her balance or her knee buckled but she went smack down on our sidewalk leading up to our door and fractured her pelvis in 3 spots. Banged up her chin and arm as well. She had right hip replacement years ago and that is the side that got the largest fracture. Got an ambulance right away and she was admitted early Thursday and now it’s Sunday. Today she was transferred to skilled nursing/rehab facility. It was rough at first due to less staff on the weekends and of course it’s the unfortunate truth that these facilities covered by Medicare have some less than desirable attention given to elderly. In any case the admitting nurse finally came in after 2 hours. I had to ask after one hour for water and that she needed to go potty (she can’t even stand on her own so we are in a diaper situation for now). My MAIN question…for someone who had had a parent fall and need rehab for fractures like this where they can’t stand or walk on their own yet and of course have severe pain, how long are we talking that l, even receiving PT daily, should I expect her to need to be there? We can’t lift her nor can we help with the changing/bathing at home and she does live with us. We realize we may need to being in private care and are prepared for that, I just don’t know what to expect as far as a timeline. Any thoughts?

JulietteBee

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/73606/mom-fell

Hi there! How awful to hear that mom fell. Here is hoping for a speedy recovery.

Speaking now as an RN who worked in a rehab hospital, not nursing home, Medicare & Medicare Advantage plans typically pay for the first 20 days. If more time is needed, then the patient will have a copay. However, most facilities will do all they can for the patient to get them up and out by then. Sadly, some patients never return to their baseline or family can not take care of them afterwards. A social worker/doctor may then open discussion with the family about transferring her to a longterm skilled nursing facility.

At that time, if you are able to take her home, do so. Make sure to have all the durable medical equipment she will need; hospital bed with trapeze, bedside commode, walker, shower chair, raised toilet seat, grab bars, etc.

I wish you well & again, praying mom will soon be back on her feet.🙏🏽