I've been trying to get my dad into a SNF since July. It's just been a lot of red tape and I've had to get guardianship (not cheap). The first SNF we were working with decided they didn't want to take him (after weeks of working with them) and basically blew me off, saying they didn't have a bed. I found another and have been working to get his medical eligibility from the doctor, but the doctor is apparently not sending the SNF what they need and so I've been acting as intermediary, trying to get what the SNF needs from the doctor. It's ridiculous that I need to do all this. The doctor agrees he needs to go, but there's no communication between the SNF and the doctor!
My dad fell twice over the weekend and I took him to the doctor this morning and practically BEGGED him to complete an evaluation form and send it to the SNF (which he agreed to do). The doctor said if he falls again to call an ambulance and have him taken to the ER and then refuse to allow him to be discharged to me - basically I tell them he needs to go to a SNF and there's no one to look after him of he is discharged. He said if they try to guilt me into taking him home, I have to refuse! I've heard this before, but since I have POA and Guardianship, can the hospital force me to take him? I've been practically living in his home for a couple of months while waiting for a bed in a SNF to open up but it can't go on - this isn't my home. My work is suffering as I'm constantly dealing with my dad. I know that this is how most people get into SNFs - 3 days inpatient hospital stay then 20 days Medicare then transition to Medicaid, but can I really refuse to bring him home and insist they keep him and then transition him to a SNF?
Follow suggestions here to get your father into a rehab facility as it will make the world of difference in his recovery. Now my mother is back in her apartment and is receiving outside home care services. She actually needed the services long before her actual fall as she was destined to fall eventually what with her instability issues.
You say your his guardian. Talk with your elder affairs attorney ASAP. Find out who pays the bill. Was he sent to the hospital under the guardianship?
I would be interested in what that does regarding your financial liability
Do not sign any financial liability agreement in your name.
Good luck and stay strong.
xo
-SS