80 year old male with dementia transported to hospital last Monday, Severely dehydrated, Magnesium and Potassium severely low, severe UTI to the point the Nurse said was almost sepsis. Discharged on Friday to a Nursing/Rehab home. Wife is caretaker and in denial of his diagnosis 4+ years ago. Wife stated he has not had a bath in several months, he is only sponged off. He wears the adult pull ups. He is left at home alone on occasion ( a few times a week) while the wife goes to town to run errands. His wife and his 2 step daughters are trying to get him discharged from the Nursing/Rehab. It is clear that the wife can not take care of him and he has been neglected. This afternoon the wife and his 2 stepdaughters will have a phone meeting with the Director of the Nursing/Rehab and Social Worker about taking him home. His 2 step daughters live in a different state, they are unable to help with his care. Is the hospital required to report neglect if they suspect it? Do you think it is safe for this man to return home? Do you consider this neglect? Help!
You can also contact the rehab where FIL is now and express your concerns.
This would probably be more impactful if your husband were to express his concerns as well.
No it is not safe for him to return home with the wife and step daughters as caregivers.
Yes, he is being neglected. If his wife is not able to meet his care needs alone, that's not her fault.
The two step-daughters need to put in a little bit of effort and get some homecare set up. They should also not be advocating for the nursing home/rehab to discharge him if there is no caregiver staff and support for him at home.
If the hospital does their job they will report this neglect and bring in some social work to help with care options.
This couple needs some support staff because they are elderly and one of them has dementia and is ill.
If your FIL is not going to be released from rehab into capable hands, then he is an "unsafe discharge" and the rehab will want to keep him in their long term care section, if they have one. The step daughters need to take a trip to see mom and the living conditions to determine whether she's safe living at home. Or whoever is her POA and FILs POA need to look into this matter.
Good luck to you.