Mother was admitted for agitation and severe anger issues. I was told to send her to the hospital for this. The ER doctor wanted to send her home with no resolution. I refused. That admitted for one night the down grades her to observation only. I know this won’t count towards nursing home placement but just raise the bill. They said they are working on nursing home placement but no one has called me from social services. Are they just working towards dumping us and running up the bill? She has no money or assets and I have not signed any paperwork taking responsibility for her debt. How should I proceed with the hospital to get placement?
"I am the only living child that has been willing to help with my mother. She is not capable of driving. I pick up her groceries and take her to the doctor. She is now accusing me of bank theft and this is not the first time. She is now threatening to have me and my husband arrested. She has cancelled her debit card I use to buy her groceries. I have no idea what or how to proceed. I am over the responsibility but no where to turn. I do have a call into her doctor. I do not have power of attorney and do not want the responsibility. Any advice is appreciated. Her only income is social security and there is no property or savings. "
You will need to wait for the county to gain guardianship of your mom. If you are not her Medical Representative I'm not sure what info the medical team will discuss with you (HIPAA laws), even if you're her next-of-kin. I agree you should be proactive with the social workers to help expedite her place so they're appreciative of any helpful info BUT just understand you have no control, even where she ultimately is placed. If they put her in a facility too far from you, you can appeal to move her closer (they did this for our family). I'm hoping they tested her for a UTI as this can really impact the elderly's behavior and cognition. I wish you peace in your heart over all of this.
They get paid differently for observation, and if they have no good diagnosis to admit on they will try to get you to take the patient home.
They will admit if you say you have no intention of accepting the person home, that you cannot physically or mentally care for the person.
They must have a reason to admit, a diagnosis to work up. They cannot just admit because you show up in ER normally, but will likely do a workup if you will not accept the elder back to your home.
Tell them she cannot return to you and needs a full neuro psyc workup. Speak NOW to the social workers to tell them she cannot return to you, if that is the case. Placement is very difficult right now.