My mom had a fall and sustained a hairline fracture of her pelvic bone and her rib 11 days ago. She was taken to emergency room and after all the tests were done she was transported to SNF. We were not allowed to visit and I am sure she was not doing good because she doesn’t like nursing homes. Today they called to say that she fell in the bathroom because she went by herself since nobody was watching her. She is a fall risk and has Alzheimer's. When I questioned them how come no one watched her they said they cannot watch 24/7. I said what about if we come to watch her, they said it is not allowed. They would not guarantee that she will not fall again and if we don’t like it we are welcome to take her home. I thought we brought her there to be taken care of and not to get injured. Since I questioned them, they now want to discharge her. Do they have the right to discharge her even though she is not well? Get rid of her because I questioned her fall?
You can't expect someone to be there all the time. Mom can no longer be reasoned with and has no idea she should not be getting up on her own. My Mom was kept in the common room most of the day. Aides were in the common area all day. She only used her room at night to sleep. The gery chair reclined when she was napping.
They cannot discharge her into an unsafe situation. But they can wait until she falls again and then tell the hospital that they can't keep her safe anymore.
Nursing homes aren't allowed to physically or chemically restrain the patients. Many patients with Alzheimer's have trouble remembering that they shouldn't stand up or should use their walker.
Call to speak with someone else and ask what the facility or family can do to insure your mom is safe. I understand sometimes the family is able to hire a companion to sit with their loved ones. I'm not sure if that is permitted under the new regulations though.
Even if you took her home, she could fall. She could fall when you are standing there looking at her. It's awful.
I'm sorry this happened to you. The nursing home should have more to offer you than "If you don't like it, take her home." You may have caught someone who was on their last nerve. See if someone else can help you.
Please read the above link, it explains the nuances and viewpoint of the facilities well.