Mom broke her femur bone from a fall. Surgery was a month and ago she is now in a rehab center for three weeks. However, she refuses therapy. She will do occupational therapy in bed, but refuses to get out of bed to do PT downstairs or sit in the chair. Now she hardly eats. What do we do? She’s on Medicare. I’m afraid they will release her. I’ve asked for someone to talk to her.
As for new xrays--pelvis, hips, ankles, the works. Ask for a different PT to come in and assess her.
My mother lost the ability to localize and express that she was in pain, post stroke.
It sounds like she may just be giving up and it may be time to bring hospice on board.
They will allow her to be comfortable and pain free, and go on her terms. You should honor that if that's where this is going.
Takes 6 weeks for an adult bone to start to knit together again. Elderly bones I image more. Depends on type of fracture too. A small crack will heal faster than larger more thorough break.
Was there a surgical repair (eg rods, screws, nails)? Even if stabilised with metalware, the actual femur bone is still broken.
Some fractures require that 6 week period to be *non weight bearing* before commencing any rehab. I presume your Mother was deemed ok to fully weigh bear on her leg & ok to start rehab? Has she had any follow-up x-rays?
Can she afford to hire enough help at home, or does she plan to move to a facility of some sort?
Has she been diagnosed with any cognitive issues?
You might want to make YOUR boundaries known to the folks who do discharge planning at the rehab. Make they know if you are/are not willing to take on your mother's care.