Dad is in convalescent home recovering from getting pacemaker and sister and I are unable to provide care at this level. We have no idea how to find him a permanent home. He has good insurance, or so we keep being told, but no one will provide any information on getting help!
He's only 74 but much older health-wise. He's also a big guy - 6'4" (or used to be) and probably about 350lbs. So my sister and I are just not able to bring him home if he can't care for himself. He owns his home and has some savings and insurance so it makes no sense that none of the professionals can offer us any advice on what happens after he is discharged within the next month or so.
We're at a loss... Any information is appreciated!!
I also think my dad is finally realizing how serious his condition is too. He's finally calmed down enough to broach selling the house. It's also spurred him on to take his PT more seriously and hopefully he can get some strength back.
He's out of diapers and is able to use the bedside toilet with assistance from the staff.
One weird thing my sister told me when I visited last night is they refuse to give him his prescription pain pills. I don't know why that would be, but she's started sneaking one to him every day, which may be why he's suddenly able to tolerate the knee pain and walk a little. Is it normal to deny patients their pain medication?!
At least this gives us a little time to make other arrangements. I was a mess when I first came here... everyone has been so kind and helpful!! I'm feeling more hopeful that we'll be able to get in-home care or get him to accept he needs more care than that.
If he does get strong enough to come home, I'm going to insist my sister stop feeding him junk and see if we can get him down 100 lbs.
As for his insurance policy... my mom took care of that and we always assumed he'd go first since he's been in bad shape for years. But she seemed to think there would be some type of partial payment for increased care because she'd say with the insurance and dad's pension, they could just afford a basic place - though nothing fancy. I'll have to go through the paperwork and see what I can find.