Last week my nearly 91 year old mother was dropped by a CNA during a transfer from the bed to wheelchair. This was strictly against protocol as she was only supposed to be lifted with a Hoyer lift. Both her femur bones were fractured.
The worker was let go that day. My mother had surgery on the leg that did not have an existing knee replacement. She was released from the hospital today. I will go to the facility tomorrow. She will require PT which she generally likes if she has energy for it.
It has been so hard to process this happening. She was not mobile with her legs but she had learned to navigate the wheelchair in the facility. Now I wonder if she will regain that. The femur in one leg will have to heal on its own if possible..I am just putting this out there for any thoughts on the healing of fractured femurs or any other thoughts. Prior to this unfortunate incident I have felt her care in this facility was decent. I am at least comforted with the taking of responsibility and stating the truth on their part which they probably would have had to do. I imagine the hospital wanted exact facts.
I wish you and your mother peace.
I want to add: before mom went on Hospice (which my brother refused) the NH assured me that if we got to "end of life" they would be able to give her pain meds that would keep her comfortable.
Mom fell during a transfer and went downhill. Was clearly in pain, and on heavy duty pain meds. I ran to the nursing station and asked what they could do.
Fortunately, the facility doc was there and said "why isn't she on hospice?".
I gave him a short precis of my bro's objections and he said "your brother needs to get here right now".
I called my brother and explained the fact that mom appeared to be in terrible pain (facial grimaces, etc) and bless him, he came over. We got mom on hospice, got her on morphine and she passed peacefully 3 days later.
There are such hard choices to be made at the end. Blessings and hugs to you.
I am so sorry that your mom is going through this.
I pray that she is comfortable and rests, praying the doctors do right by her and her treatment.
Great big warm hug!
Consider calling 911 to get her transported so she cam get IV antibiotics, if that is how you want to proceed.
Osteomyelitis. Oy. My teenaged brother developed it for no good reason when he was like 14. Long hospital stays. I V antibiotics. He recovered, but he was 14 ad strong like ox!
https://www.medscape.com/answers/190115-82463/what-is-the-treatment-for-osteomyelitis-due-to-pressure-injuries-pressure-ulcers
I would want to have a frank private talk with the treating doc about whether this is a road you want to walk. (((((Hugs))))
She could barely communicate today and when she did it was about great pain where bedsore is. They aren't giving her any food or stronger pain medication due to gastric issues. They do have her on IV's. Apparently she arrived dehydrated and with some heavy constipation. Another issue I kept bringing up at SN facility. When we were there we would have her drink but I am doubting they did. Just have to go soon and clear out her room. I can't see sending her back there.
I contacted the lawyer. I think now I have to speak to social services to find other placement for her if she survives all this. Her blood pressure was very low but has risen slightly. They are doing alot of testing. I don't know how long Medicare keeps a patient so compromised but also with serious bedsores.
I think following up with the Ombudsman program is a great idea.
(((((Hugs))))) to you and especially to your poor mom.
We obviously are in strange times with Covid. They now always let me in even when they have a new lockdown. Last year when she was there in AL I did not see her from March to November. I could talk to her on the phone and drop off supplies outside the building. Now she cannot really talk on the phone but we go often and try to help with little issues that they will never have the time to deal with. They do have to change the wound dressing twice a day,change her incontinent briefs, empty the catheter bathe her some etc. I just am presently trying to keep peace if she is at all ever to heal. We are not paying presently. It is all through Medicare right now. It is very sad and stressful so I am just focusing on her health but I do understand all of you who say to possibly take it further. One aid in the room lifting her and dropping her has created a nightmare.
https://aging.sc.gov/programs-initiatives/long-term-care-ombudsman-program
Getting your mom proper nutrition is critical if the wound is going to heal.
I am curious why you feel you need to "lay low"? They have admitted culpality for this injury and your mother would doubtless prevail in a lawsuit brought against them for her injuries and they know it.
My heart aches for you and your mom.
Do I recall you are in NC?
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/aging-and-adult-services/long-term-care-ombudsman-advocacy-residents-long-term-care-facilities