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Tracey wrote: "Thanks, Diane - but nope. She's home. Problem is that the hospital never actually admitted her: she was in as "outpatient observation." So because she was never – technically – "inpatient" she was ..."I agree with Diane, wine and some chocolates (for both of you).
Gundula wrote: "Tracey wrote: "Thanks, Diane - but nope. She's home. Problem is that the hospital never actually admitted her: she was in as "outpatient observation." So because she was never – technically – "inpa..."Wine, chocolates, and a good sappy movie/book should do the trick.
ETA hope things are looking up for you soon.
Ugh, Tracey. That whole outpatient while seeming to be an inpatient thing is all over the news. They say we should ask if we've been admitted since many people think they are inpatients but they're not. Grrrrr.
I don't know what rock we've been under, but none of my family ever heard of it. Unfortunately. We assumed, and you know what that does.
OK, update: the physical therapist and home health aid both showed up today - at the same time, in the afternoon - and the end result is that they had an ambulance come to take her back to the emergency room to be - finally - admitted to the hospital and then into a nursing home; their assessment being that she is not safe home alone, which has been our strong and considered opinion for almost a week now, thanks... All I can hope is that a) this isn't coming too late to get her back on her feet (she's been sitting in one place since Thursday), and b) it'll be covered by Medicare and her secondary, and c) that she'll be able to come home in a month or two months or however long it takes. I can't believe how all of this has fallen out - it's absurd.
Tracey wrote: "OK, update: the physical therapist and home health aid both showed up today - at the same time, in the afternoon - and the end result is that they had an ambulance come to take her back to the emer..."It sounds like one hand does not know what the other hand is doing, definitely absurd and almost a comedy of errors, except that it is not the least bit funny, sigh. Good luck to you and your mother (hopefully now, she will get the physical therapy and care she should have gotten before).
Tracey, It's nuts but at least she's now in a better situation and I certainly hope it hasn't come too late. Dumb insurance companies, and facilities & professionals sometimes too.
Mod
Here is a very sweet story to cheer you up about a baby porcupine who was rescued:
http://trekkingsa.blogspot.se/2012/11...
Lee, that's marvelous. I adore a person who will run around in circles in his kitchen for an hour or two just to make an animal happy. (And the damage Patitas did to their house looks a lot like what my Daisy did the first time we left her alone...) Thanks for the smile.
Mod
Lee wrote: "You're welcome! I just love this story. Animals are amazing, they have so much to teach us."I love the little feet (and the Mohawk hairdo, lol). And I'm glad the story made you smile, Tracey :-)
Lee, Thanks. Such a sweet story. Love the photos.
Tracey wrote: "OK, update: the physical therapist and home health aid both showed up today - at the same time, in the afternoon - and the end result is that they had an ambulance come to take her back to the emer..."At last a victory for commonsense. How frustrating it is when bureaucracies lack the discretion to be flexible in the application of their rules.
But wait - there's more. I left work yesterday thinking it was all settled. By the time I got home (under orders again from my mother not to go to the hospital) the phone was ringing. It was my sister, who had gone to the hospital to see her settled, saying that they refused to admit her. And there started three hours of phone calls among me, my sister, and the physical therapist, all of us outraged. Where it stands now is that they said they'd keep her overnight but we'd have to pay for it, and she was not going to be admitted.
At the moment my sister, who has all the numbers and names, is waiting for offices to open so that she can start making calls - including to our lawyer.
So we're back to "don't know" again.
Tracey wrote: "But wait - there's more. I left work yesterday thinking it was all settled. By the time I got home (under orders again from my mother not to go to the hospital) the phone was ringing. It was my s..."
What about calling the local media with this story and naming names. Publicise this and shame the individuals responsible. Of course, if you are contacting a lawyer, you might want to be careful, as the hospital administration might consider media coverage and negative publicity slander (but I would consider doing it, just for the satisfaction of seeing these lowlife full-of-themselves administrators publicly squirm). And get a petition signed or something, the more negative publicity for the hospital, the better. This is outrageous, downright evil!!
Our local news does stories like this, but my mother would have a stroke (so to speak) if we ever tried that route. But believe me, it's being considered. We'll see how the morning goes. I just got off the phone with Medicare, which sounded hopeful although I realized afterward that I never got any actual information from them; they transferred me to Medicare's Quality Improvement Organization, which can't/won't do anything until we have a piece of paper denying admission, and even at that point it all depends on the reasons for denial. The words "nothing we can do" were repeated several times.
Tracey wrote: "Our local news does stories like this, but my mother would have a stroke (so to speak) if we ever tried that route. But believe me, it's being considered. We'll see how the morning goes. I just g..."
And if the hospital refuses to give you that denying admissions paper, you are likely SOL, right?
Even if your mother would freak at this, I think contacting the media etc. would be a good consideration (and face it, this is something that more than probably happens to thousands and thousands of individuals and the only way to get things changed, I think, is to publicise it and in the most dramatic way). Good luck with this (man I wish I were a wizard).
My sister appealed the admissions denial, and they say they will have a response on Thursday (which, since that's Thanksgiving, I'm assuming means Friday?). I was assured by the appeals panel that they can't discharge her until there is a decision (she's not admitted, but can't be discharged - she's in limbo). We're still waiting to hear back from sundry other people we've reached out to. So. I figure if it comes to it, the news folk will eat it up with a spoon: elderly woman booted out of the hospital on Thanksgiving. They'll love it.
Tracey wrote: "My sister appealed the admissions denial, and they say they will have a response on Thursday (which, since that's Thanksgiving, I'm assuming means Friday?). I was assured by the appeals panel that ..."Yeah, you should really milk this for all it is worth (I know your mother probably would not agree, but this is disgusting and needs to be publicised).
Tracey, I"m so, so sorry. When you've recuperated from this, you should write a book.I actually think Gundula's idea of contacting the media is a good one. I wonder if they could do a story without specifically mentioning your mother's case, but mentioning the facility. I doubt they'd want any ongoing cases so maybe they'd just admit her???
So sorry to read your news, Tracey. That sucks. In relation to contacting the media, it may be a good idea, but I would be very cautious. My experience with people who have done that is that they have at times been burned by the experience. The media is generally more interested in the story than the people the story affects and I've seen situations where the situation has been made more complicated and more hostile because of media involvement. However, it's possible that the threat of going to the media might work.
So the saga drags on - my apologies for the ongoing trials and tribulations. It's starting to fizzle out, I think. The news thing is pretty much out; for one thing, the guy they usually send to cover these things is an absolute moron, and I discovered my sister loathes him as much as I do. We both kind of want to strangle him with his suspenders; he's that bad. For another thing, my gut feeling is they'd listen to half of what we had to say (like just about everyone else), and then say basically "yeah, got a little girl with a cat up a tree on Colony Road, gotta go".
It's pretty certain she's coming home tomorrow. Maybe Thursday. Don't know yet. She's too healthy to stay in and not well enough to get out... Which means therapists and whatnot wandering in and out of the house. Except I'll be damned (pardon) if the same agencies are coming back here, for four reasons:
1) the door to the house was left open when they took Mom out yesterday. Not unlocked - physically open.
2) my bedroom door was open; I MIGHT have forgotten to shut it, but with my laptop in there I don't think I would have
3) there was a used rubber glove left on the table - the KITCHEN table
and
4) Mom's bedpan was in the sink. Used bedpan. Kitchen sink.
I have issues with this. I have no choice, but I have issues. And will begin taking my laptop with me to work.
Mod
I hope you find some competent and responsible help, Tracey.
Just put out the trash and found a second rubber glove lying amid the recycling. I'm almost as angry about this as about the rest of it. Our house isn't exactly Gracie Mansion, but this is a level of contempt and disrespect that makes my blood boil.
Tracey wrote: "Just put out the trash and found a second rubber glove lying amid the recycling. I'm almost as angry about this as about the rest of it. Our house isn't exactly Gracie Mansion, but this is a level ..."I read your story with disbelieve. How could they do this to a human being. In what kind of world are we living. Is greed the only thing that counts? Tracey, you have my deepest sympathy. I hope that things will be better soon. Big Hug from Holland.
Tracey, your story in infuriating! Sylvia, doesn't our healthcare process leave you in shock? And you should see the 'sticker price' to pay for health insurance. Good gosh, Tracey, I'm sorry you are under all this stress and your mother in limbo - and the fact of the PTs that went to the house and state in which they left everything? Makes my blood boil too! Is your mom at least getting proper care and attention at the facility or is she home now?
Diane D. wrote: "Tracey, your story in infuriating! Sylvia, doesn't our healthcare process leave you in shock? And you should see the 'sticker price' to pay for health insurance. Good gosh, Tracey, I'm sorry you ..."
Diane, this story about Tracey's mom leaves me dumbfounded. I can imagine that people who needed medical treatment desperately are treated this way and that some one property is treated with so much disrespect. I hope for Tracey that everything will be fine again.
I wish all my American friends a very fine Thanksgiving. Love to all of you.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving (or Thursday, as applicable). I wanted to get in here yesterday to say this, but it didn't happen, so, belatedly for Thanksgiving: I am incredibly grateful for the support all of you have shown me during the past ridiculous couple of weeks. Thank you so very much. The status update of the moment can be summed up in one word: limbo. Mom's in the hospital; they can't release her until a decision is made on the appeal. We were told there would be a decision Thursday, and then on Tuesday the discharge manager was talking like Mom would be (depending on the appeal) coming home Wednesday. I don't think I have to point out that now it's Friday? No one knows anything.
We were actually resigned to the point of hoping that she would come home yesterday or today or soon, because my sister and I are both off, and neither of us can take Monday off. The complete inability to plan ahead is a new level of stress I hadn't expected...
But when she does come home the agencies who were in the house Monday - which I think are national, so you might want to think twice about Bayada Home Health Care (physical therapy) and the Visiting Angels (aides) - have been replaced. And that's down to assistance from an incredible lady at the local senior center. Mom said to call her, and I kind of dismissed the idea, because after all what could she do? As it turns out, a lot. *Always* check with your local senior center in any situation remotely like this...
Hello and I hope that everyone in America had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Tracey, I'm sorry that nothing is yet resolved with your mom. I am remembering you in my prayers.
It's a chilly day here. I did some cleanup around the apartment (minimal, I might add!) and we are heading out to catch a little free concert. I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend.
Tracey - you are going through a time of it, to say the least. But it sounds as if the lady from the local senior center is helping you get through it, and I am keeping everything crossed for an early and satisfactory resolution.In the meantime, on this side of the pond, Taran has been moved to a low security mental health unit which is a lot nearer to home. It takes me about 45 minutes to get there from my house, picking up my daughter-in-law along the way. The staff are a lot friendlier and helpful there too, and the whole environment seems much nicer. His room has an en-suite bathroom and there is a billiards table in the games room across the corridor. Smoking is banned there from 1st December, but he is allowed an electronic cigarette to suck on. It gives him the nicotine kick without the tar and carbon monoxide. Perhaps, by the time he is out of there, which may be a long while, he will have smoking. That would be a bonus, but the most important objective is to get him pretty much over his mental problems.
Stand by for a tattoo bulletin!
Lance's Tattoo BulletinOK. I promised you that I'd update you when I finally got my first tattoo. So here it is.
As a reward for all the running around that I've been doing for Taran recently, my son Dave, carved this outline on my right thigh this morning.
The shaded and coloured version will follow soon - IF you really want to see it!
Lance, It looks really nice. I hope it wasn't too painful. I hope Taran significantly improves and feels well. I've never heard of electronic cigarettes. How to they dispense nicotine? That would be great if he could quit smoking. I hate the tobacco companies with a passion.
Hi Lisa - this is not the exact e-cigarette that we got for Taran, but it is pretty close. It is really very clever. You can even buy liquids for the tank which give the flavour of the user's favourite tobacco.You can search online for "Vapouriz".
Well here's the shaded and coloured tattoo. The rose will be white rather than pink when the inflammation calms down. The symbolism is that, because my Dad is from Yorkshire and my Mum was from the Highlands of Scotland, I have the Yorkist white rose and the purple Scottish thistle.I've just noticed that Dave missed a couple of leaves off the original design. Oh no! Should I have them added, or should I stick with the individualism and character of the unique Rose 'n' Thistle on Lance's leg?
What do you think?
Lance Greenfield wrote: "Well here's the shaded and coloured tattoo. The rose will be white rather than pink when the inflammation calms down. The symbolism is that, because my Dad is from Yorkshire and my Mum was from the..."I think it looks wonderful just the way it is, and I love the symbolism.
And I also hope that everything will work out well for your grandson; the new facility sounds great.
In answer to Lisa's question: yes, it did hurt! But I have another two lined up, and I will go through with them. My son is good at what he does. The greatest thing is that he is so SERIOUS about hygiene!And thanks all for the good wishes about Taran. They are going to wean him off his meds, then assess his underlying conditions, then treat them accordingly. Call me the world's greatest optimist, but I really hope that he will end up on no meds at all!
Lance Greenfield wrote: "In answer to Lisa's question: yes, it did hurt! But I have another two lined up, and I will go through with them. My son is good at what he does. The greatest thing is that he is so SERIOUS about h..."That would be the absolute best, no meds at all!
And I'm glad your son is so serious about hygiene. I love your tattoo, but I don't think I could stand being poked like that (even though the design is lovely).
Mod
And I'm happy to hear about Taran's move to a closer and happier facility.
Lance, it's beautiful. I don't think you need any more leaves - it looks nicely balanced as it is. Good news about Taran; things sound positive! As for me, Mom's home. She came home today. Just to continue as they'd been going, they had said there would be a decision on the appeal of denial of admission on Thursday. When we were there on Tuesday someone came in and spoke as if we'd be hearing back and she'd probably be going home Wednesday. Long story short, we heard nothing until they woke me up this morning with the news that the decision was made last night (which I need to point out is neither Wednesday nor Thursday), against us, and as of that moment she was "on the clock" - we were going to be billed for every hour she stayed in the hospital after the decision was made. Which was last night. They apparently left a voicemail on my sister's home phone which got lost. Visiting Nurses Assn are coming in tomorrow, don't know when; I have to work; Mom's doing pretty well, thank God, but I'm not exactly happy about leaving. But I have no choice. Keep those fingers crossed...
What an efficient and compassionate system, Tracey. (Not!) I'm glad that your mum's doing okay and I really hope that the new nurses are better than the last lot. *fingers crossed* *hugs*
Tracey wrote: "Lance, it's beautiful. I don't think you need any more leaves - it looks nicely balanced as it is. Good news about Taran; things sound positive! As for me, Mom's home. She came home today. Just t..."
Now that your mother is home, Tracey, you should really go to the press (and with personal names). Let's see how a bit of negative publicity and public shaming and naming will make these nasties feel. Of course, it could also backfire, sigh. Good luck!!
Lance, It looks great and I love the symbolism, and am glad for the stellar hygiene.I agree with Gundula, Tracey, about getting some publicity about this situation.
Gundula wrote: "Of course, it could also backfire, sigh....":D That's exACTly the main reason we're not going to the media with it. There's a little something I call the Stewart Luck: it sucks, but it could always be worse, and any attempt to fight the former will absolutely prove the latter. As soon as I have two functioning brain cells to rub together I plan to write a big long blog post, and I've shot my mouth off about Bayada and Visiting Angels to everyone I've come in contact with ... The rest of it is just the way it is; we've been hearing more and more stories, including from nurses at the hospital. At this point I'm too exhausted to fight any more; I just want to deal with the scheduling that's going to be necessary and get Mom on her feet.
Is this a global common trait of healthcare services: lack of communication?!When Taran was transferred to North London, we knew he'd been taken somewhere, but it took us five hours to find out where, and several days to find out why. Then, when he was transferred to this new, better place on Thursday, we found out when HE 'phoned his Mum! Most of the time, we don't know what's going on with him, and even less, why. But things seem to be on the up now. Let's hope so.
I think you are right not to go to the media, Tracey; yet. I would try to keep a log of it all, over and above your blog. The day will come for going public and naming and shaming. These practices need to be exposed, but not whilst they could affect your care for your Mom.
You are doing so well to stay strong. And we are sending you all the juju we can muster!
Tattoo FootnoteI forgot to add in my explanation of the symbolism that the Celtic design supporting the rose and thistle represents the Celtic origins of Britain.
My goal at the moment is that anyone doing an internet search on the two agencies will find my post once I get it written. And if any of the people who stumble across it haven't heard about the whole "observation status" thing, maybe I'll be able to give someone a heads up...
Good for you Tracey. I know that it is easy for me to say, but stay positive.I admire your resolve.
Lance Greenfield wrote: "Well here's the shaded and coloured tattoo. The rose will be white rather than pink when the inflammation calms down. The symbolism is that, because my Dad is from Yorkshire and my Mum was from the..."So beautiful, Lance. It's great to remember your parents this way. I especially love the thistle. When I visit Scotland I'm always looking for thistle flower to make images. It's such a great flower. In Holland it's forbidden by the law to grow thistle, otherwise I would grow them in my garden.
The Celtic design is a lovely connecting between the two flowers. Beautiful design.
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Comfort Reads
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I recommend wine. These damn medical technicalities will drive you to drink, that's for sure!