Transitioning from Hospital to Nursing Home Most Practical Move for Some

Dear Carol: My 83-year-old mother has lived with my family for two years, but her Type 1 diabetes and lung problems have been worsening. She also has severe pain from arthritis. Mom was recently hospitalized with a respiratory infection and took a long time to respond to treatment. They finally got the bacteria under control but she’s very weak and her breathing needs monitoring. The doctor insisted that she should only be released to a nursing home. I asked if this was just a time for recovery but he was strong in recommending that she move there permanently. He said that she needs more nursing care than she can get at home. We have good nursing homes here, but I’m having a hard time coping with the change. Mom seems to realize that this is best, so I know that I’m the one who must adjust. Do people often go from the hospital to a nursing home as a permanent move? KM Read full column on Inforum about hospitalization ending in nursing home care: Purchase Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories – paperback or ebook An amazing book of stories that will touch your heart and encourage you, especially if you are a caregiver. Carol  Bradley Bursack also has an excellent website devoted to the elderly and their caregivers. - Carol Heilman Related articles Breaking the Sacred Promise: It's Time for a Nursing Home Hospital Compare Useful Tool for Evaluating Hospitals and Clinics Choosing a Care Facility? Listen To Your Gut    ...
Source: Minding Our Elders - Category: Geriatrics Authors: Source Type: blogs