The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #152446   Message #3569007
Posted By: mg
22-Oct-13 - 06:52 PM
Thread Name: Curmudgeon In Hospice - [November 2013]
Subject: RE: BS: Curmudgeon In Hospital - Oct 2013
Sounds like some damages should be expected from the wheelchair company. For one thing, in compensation, you could ask for a hospital bed that raises and lowers. I don't think it is safe for him to sleep on a couch with all the problems he has. Likewise, the toilet has to be very secure and not moveable. A chamber pot and also a commode move around. Also, have you checked out the incenolet or whatever they are called burning toilets? No emptying of chamber pots etc. Do you have someone who can draft a legal letter to the wheelchair place?

It would be good if you described the layout of the house again, because someone who has experience in these issues could make suggestions. It sounds like he does not have all the assistive devices that he could get through Medicare or wherever..

Has every expert been called on in this case? Occupational therapist? Blindness combined with 20% heart function combined with ongoing infection and wheelchair use combined with unstable furniture is not good for him or for you. It sounds like you were eligible for a caretaker for at least some hours...but it could not be you. Take advantage of it, especially in the morning when you could sleep and he could be given a nice breakfast, his coffee, perhaps be taken for a walk, taken to an early appointment. Does pharmacy deliver? Take prescriptions by fax? Can't the doctor phone in prescriptions? It is all too much for you to take care of but others would be willing and eager perhaps to check things out like eligibility for medicare assistance (and is he a veteran? THere are many helps there). There are lots of librarians here...they can operate from Saudi Arabia to help you deal with all this...and also check on respite care opportunities with him either going into a place for a week or so for you to get some rest or an in-house caregiver with you going somewhere else for a rest.