What would they do in a different country?

Flowers456 · January 8

I always hear that healthcare is better in other countries, so I'm wondering what a better healthcare system would do in this situation.

My husband was in the hospital for 4 weeks for ulcerative colitis and complications. His colon got better, so he was discharged home. He is malnourished (still won't eat well), has weeping edema and sores, and is extremely weak (uses a walker and needs help getting up from a chair and toilet). A Physical Therapist and Occupational Therapist have been coming once a week. But my husband has been declining and getting weaker. All he wants to do is sit on the couch under blankets.

We had to go to the ER twice because of extreme pain. The first time (for pain in his colon area), they gave him pain meds, said the CT Scan didn't show anything wrong, and they sent him home. This time (for leg pain—couldn't walk), they admitted him because they could not figure out why he was in extreme pain (the CT Scan didn't show anything wrong).

Now they say he has a sprained ankle (based on an Xray) and to put pressure on it as he is able. That's it. That was their plan. At the hospital, two nurses change his bedding and gown, give him a bed pain and clean him up, adjust his pillows under his legs, put medicine and bandages on his feet, move his body to help heal his bed sore, etc. And the doctor wants to send him home for me to take care of. What in the world am I supposed to do?

I was told to ask for a Physical Therapy consult because, apparently, it's up to a Physical Therapist to determine if he should go to a rehab facility or home.

My husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's just nine months ago, and I am shocked and frustrated with how loved ones are supposed to do all this without any help.

Do other places really do this better?

CindyBum · January 8

I believe so. My mother immigrated from German when she was 21 and her family is still there. When my uncle was diagnosed with FTD, the services started immediately for my aunt. It mirrored what I’m seeing with Hospice. It was still incredibly heartbreaking for her, but the health are services were wrap around from the get go - equipment, social workers, nurses and caregiver and even mental health support for her.

I’ve always found it kind of interesting that Germans don’t call it healthcare insurance, they call it sick insurance. Not sure that matters, but I’m a language, literature and culture person so see the cultural differences behind it.

jgreen · January 8

Dear @Flowers456

Ask to speak with a social worker or case manager. Tell them your situation and that you are unable to care for your DH alone. Most likely if he is refusing therapy he will not be a rehab candidate. Thus would need to be in a skilled nursing facility. I do not know what state you live in, but I believe most states have a process for applying for Medicaid. The application takes several months but if approved Medicaid would help with those expenses. I recommend you see an Elder Care attorney if you haven’t already. They can help you with the details.

One of my New Year’s resolutions was to get in touch with our atty and start the Medicaid application process now (we live in FL). It will cost me some $$ but hopefully I will have this in place if I need it for my DH in the future.

Prayers and hugs for you.

trottingalong · January 8

Do you feel he is a candidate for hospice or that his unwillingness to eat is mostly due to the long stint in the hospital. A social worker or case manager as @jgreen mentioned sounds like a worth while idea.

Chammer · January 9

Ask social worker if his dressing changes qualify him for SNF. If he has Medicare and has a "skilled" care need (dressing changes may qualify) he could qualify for SNF level of care and could be transferred there for a short time to give you the opportunity to make any other plans.

easy23 · January 9

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/263063#Comment_263063

Yes, good answer. My DH wouldn't do rehab/PT but was in a rehab SNF for his pressure ulcer. They kept him until it healed.

What would they do in a different country?

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