My 83 mom has just been moved to a SNF for rehab after being in ICU for 2 weeks. Her rehab will most likely be at at minimum 2 weeks. I know Medicare will pay for 20 days at 100% and then an additional 80 at 80%. She fell, broke 11+ ribs, punctured a lung, and has mitral valve regurgitation. Despite all these issues, she is of sound mind, and I anticipate she may refuse treatment in the SNL after a couple days. If she does, will Medicare cut her off from future SNF benefits?
She sounds as if she may be ready for hospice care, though a doctor would need to decide if she qualifies. Since she still has a good mind, she has a right to decide what she wants. She may want to go home, but Medicare will cover hospice care there or in a nursing home if she needs to go into the facility (this would be private pay). If she improves under hospice she can go off the program.
Listen to what your mom wants. This is her life and she is in a very miserable condition. Her mental capacity is sound but her body is not. She'll know where she wants to go from here.
My best to your both. This is very hard.
Carol
Also "If you stop getting skilled care in the SNF, or leave the SNF altogether, your SNF coverage may be affected depending on how long your break in SNF care lasts."
"If your break in skilled care lasts more than 30 days, you need a new 3-day hospital stay to qualify for additional SNF care. The new hospital stay doesn’t need to be for the same condition that you were treated for during your previous stay."
Before she leaves the SNF, arrange to have the OT assess her home for safety. Discuss with discharge planning who will be at home to assist. If she is planning on going home alone, you can indicate strongly that you will NOT be moving in to care for her.
In any event, feel free to TELL her that she will lose ALL her Medicare benefits if she leaves prematurely. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to keep Mom safe, if not happy.
Not all Social Workers are as you described.
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