3 replies to this topic

[Wildman]

My father fell october 24, 2011, spinal fractures at T5&6, burst at T10, with incomplete sci. Removal of T10 insertion of cage rods and pins, fusion of t8-12, and fusion between T4-7. Currently in an ltach after 6weeks in sicu, now 3weeks into ltach, and not getting best care or treatment, highly concerned that we have my dad in the wrong place, few options in our immediate vivinity, one is a sister facility and the other was filthy. Not seeing any progress, but get lots of excuses, seems as if no one knows whats going on. I have been folowing his condition the best I can doing research asking questions, but not getting results or respect. Last night I witnessed care boardering upon abuse, and I hit the roof. This is alot to digest, now I was to meet with CNO at 9 and an hour past no show. Are there ltachs that specialize in sci? Can someone help. We are not getting the care we need or deserve.

[edlee]

I'd love to help, if I could,, but I have no idea of what an Ltach is. I'm assuming it's a medical facility of some kind,, as opposed to a rehab facility.

If it's a hospital you are complaining about,, you will find that the MAJORITY of urban hospital employees seem a bit,,, how to put this gently,,,,,disenchanted,, with the work,, and due to this they don't always seem as diligent as we would like them to be when they are dealing with OUR loved ones.

These people are not, by nature, unkind,, but they see quite a number of severely injured people on a regular basis,,so investing too heavily in one isn't really possible, or good for their personal life. Obviously, inadequate care can never be excused,,, but we must be realistic in our expectations.

Improvement varies with individual and individual injury. With luck, your father's will be rapid. From the sound of it, he had a pretty serious fall,, and I hope he fares well. Your best hope to get the kind of care you hope for,,, is vigilance,,, and speaking up. Both you,, and he, if he is able,, will need to demand good care,, because no place is going to be perfect. Some are simply more consistent than others,, and knowing which ones those will be,, from day to day,, is really up for grabs.

I'm am wishing your father well.
ed

[Wildman]

An ltach is a long term acute care hospital. Specifically they deal with chronic care for patients leaving icu's to begn rehab process, vent weaning, occupational therapy, eating, drinking, speach, abd rehab therapies.

Disenchanted employees or not bad care is bad care, and what I witnessed was repulsive.

[edlee]

I certainly can't disagree. When My father had his next to last stroke,, and none of us were capable of properly caring for him,, we had the same proplem you have come up against. We placed him and pulled him three times before we found one that was acceptable,,, but even there was less than desired.

In truth,, 24 hr individual care in ones own home would come closest,, but if you have read of Scribbler's ordeal,, you will see that even then,, it's not a given.

Again, I wish your father well.
ed