I am taking care of my mother. I did have guardian/conservator for her since 2008. Something recently that an old attorney did screwed something up with the case in December 2020. I was never informed by attorney or court that this had happened. I’m currently getting that mistake fixed by another attorney. Now once that is fixed and I’m guardian again, the hospital is saying she needs 24 hour care which she does not. She can use the bathroom by herself, get drinks as needed. I take care of food and showers. They are trying to force me into a situation of giving them names of who will be helping me take care of her. Isn’t that illegal what they are doing? They don’t need that kind of information. I said I will take care of what she needs and do what we need to do. They don’t have to have specifics, to me that’s completely overstepping. I need some guidance as to what to do. They won’t release her to me and act like they won’t even release her even when I get the guardianship paperwork that was screwed up fixed. How can this happen? I’m her only living relative and have always taken care of her. It’s not like she’s neglected. It’s like the case manager at the hospital has a vendetta on me. She pushed my dad into a skilled nursing facility for extra therapy which he had completed and will be in the home with us. If she needs help he’s her voice and can get an ambulance or get ahold of me at work if necessary if it is needed. The case manager says that he can’t do that because he was previously in that hospital also. The same case manager sent him to a facility she knew nothing about. I’ve already had to file complaints with the state for actions that have happened to my father at the skilled nursing facility she shipped him off too. Now she’s trying to take away my mother from the only family she has.
This is what I would do, ask her what you need to do to get Mom home. Then do it. If she feels that someone other than Dad needs to be with Mom, then line someone up. Another family member maybe. Hire an outside aide. Do what she wants u to do. Once Mom is home...then do what you want. They do not police you once you are home. They may call to see how things are going, make sure they have ur cell not your landline. You don't want her asking Dad questions. They do have the right to call APS if they feel Mom is not being cared for properly.
Just for future reference. Rehab is a choice. I know, the Hospital discharge clerk says "We are sending Mom to rehab at ______." or "We are sending Mom to rehab. _________ and _________ have beds available. Which one do u want." You can refuse rehab. You can ask that therapy be done in the home. Especially if therapy is just to get their strength back. My GF refused it after a leg amputation and my Dad refused it. He did his rehab at home.
The last time my Mom had rehab, I told them it had to be done in the 20days that Medicare paid 100% because Mom had no money to pay her share after that time. She was released in 18days. She was only there to get her strength back.
THEY have the power to intervene and to open a case with Adult Protective Services if they feel a Senior is getting inadequate care. You say she is getting that care, but they may feel she needs 24/7 care to be safe, and they have a right to see that she does have it prior to dischage. Social Workers should soon be contacting you about your home, its safety and etc. You are her guardian. That means, just were she a child, you are entirely responsible for her safety. She is deemed helpless and in need of 24/7 care. If they feel you will no cooperate, or that you are not capable of understanding the law, and understanding your duty of care, they may go to court and have your guardianship removed.
This "something happened with a lawyer" thing, also, makes no sense. WHAT happened with a Lawyer?
Do know that guardianship can indeed be removed from you if you are not supplying what the state deems to be minimally required care. With or without the help of your attorney.
I would take a non-adversarial and cooperative attitude if you wish to have even the slightest hope of prevailing and keeping care of your Mom.
Trying to see from the Hospital's side. Mother has had a recent seizure. It seems they have doubts that Dad can be her carer. Maybe he could phone you or EMS, but they feel she needs more supervision - someone being actively attentive?
There are countless stories of people not obtaining medical attention for a fall. Including head strikes - two I can think of involving panic. 1st: partner watched a fall with head strike & bleeding but did nothing - luckily was OK. 2nd: fall in bathroom, head strike, possible neck damage. Partner dragged person from room to room & when revived enough to get in car took to hospital (so delayed). Man suffered internal bleeding & severe consequences - not sure of recovery.
Would hiring an aide for a week or so smooth things?
After that, you can assess the need for supervision with her medical team.
It's about Mother's safety isn't it?
I read your response to Alva. I still stick by what I said, ur guardianship doesn't have anything to do with this. It probably has to do with "safe discharge". Believe me I am not big on Hospital Social Workers. To me they don't look outside the box. Like I said, just do what you need to do to get Mom home. Hope that is not the only Hospital in the area. It would be the last place I took Mom and Dad again.
Good Luck and come back and tell us how things worked out. We learn from others experiences.
I think the hospital is simply trying to do what's best for their patient, and the two of you disagree as to what that is. I understand your anger and frustration, but displaying outward hostility to the hospital staff won't score you any points with them. They need to believe your very vulnerable mom will be safe and cared for. You angrily telling them you're the one for the job may not be too convincing.