I live in CA and dad lives a little north of NYC. He calls 911 almost daily to help him get up after falling or to help him out of bed. He also calls lifeline. All my sibs live far from NY. He is an 83 yo Korean Vet. recovering from colon cancer, with diabetes. He lives alone w a home health care "Angel" coming in daily to change diaper, feed and clean up. I try to see him at least once a year. My other siblings are mentaly disabled so are unable to help. Finally my question, Is there any way to get access to his medical providers (he says he never sees a home health nurse)? Another detail is that my father has no money besides SS. He has been hospitalized a few times and refuses to go to the ER when he has fallen or when he exibits signs of recurring cancer or pneumonia. He has not signed a HIPA form giving me access - after repeated requests. I am at a loss. This has been status quo for about 10 years but has gotten much worse since my last visit, What can I do?
911 will have to set the boundaries and if dad continues to call them and you know the hospital, you can always call the social services case worker at the hospital and explain your relationship, your contact info, and tell them the situation and that dad refuses HIPPAbut next time he is admitted, advise that they look into his home and care situation and in your opinion it is no longer safe. It is up to them to investigate or decide to discharge him back into same situation.
In the meantime, you should research VA assistance he might be entitled to and care facilities that accept VA along with his SS and other potential assets for his care.
He may or may not agree to move into care.
This is all you can do. Best scenario for you may be to let him be admitted and then transferred to care facility via the health system for his own health and well being.
Good luck this week.
He wants minimal medical care, be there for him. Call him, let him know he is loved and accept his decisions.
You've done all you can do, so now you just keep loving dad, call when you can and when the hospital calls at some future time, you just say " I can't talk to anyone until I have HIPPA and DPOA with dr declaring incompetency and leave it at that. This is what My plan is and as it stands with my mom.
One day his current aide will have had enough or his care needs will be greater such that he needs skilled care and VA or other support services can step in.
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