My pcp said he could go back to MC w/oxygen w/pt. MC facility wants him to go to a rehab facility at which he would be very confused considering he has vascular dementia and everything would be unfamiliar. At this point I’m awaiting word from senior nursing director at MC facility. It would be easier for MC personnel to be rid of him for a while as he is a not an easy patient and still get monthly fee. Question - what
rights as his advocate wife and guardian do I have in a case such as this? As my personal private doctor said he should return to MC
As a wife you do not have the ability o act as a physician. You say YOUR personal doctor has said....................but your own doctor has nothing to say in this case. Likely his own doesn't either. It will be the hospitalists at the hospital who will decide what level of care is medically appropriate now. You can decide only if you are his POA and he is dying and a DNR. In fact, even then the MC can say that he requires more care than they can provide and insist on SNF placement.
I am so sorry you are both going through all this; it must be unbelievably difficult.
And has he gone, or is this still pending?
To me, the issue is his oxygen level and pulmonary conditions as a first consideration, above what the staff want b/c he may be a challenging patient in their minds.
As to your rights, I think a discussion with the MC DON or other high level nurse would be appropriate to clarify the issues, then you can make a decision. Has YOUR (??) personal doctor examined him? If he or she has and feels that memory care is the appropriate setting, go with that. But be sure the issue of adequate oxygen levels is addressed.
And as his guardian, I assume that his care and needs would pre-empt the desires of an MC staff. What does the guardianship order provide?