Doing battle with nursing home nurses

[cmd]

My husband had both his knees replaced on Monday. He had outstanding care at the hospital and was moved yesterday to a rehab unit in an area nursing home. I am probably the most unpopular client they have. The unit is very neat and orderly. His room is nicer that our room at home. My problem comes with keeping his surgical stocking on his legs. I left for an hour yesterday only to find that his stockings were off when I returned. I knew the doctor's orders and demanded that he be contacted for instructions. When I returned with my dinner, the stockings were back on. (The doctor told them that the stockings could only come off if he was dead.) I thought that would end the issue. I just went over for my third visit of the day to find him bare legged. I know that TEDS are a bear to get on, but doctor's orders are just that. I pitched another fit and the stockings went on with a lot of grumbling and side remarks like they 'never heard of anything like wearing stockings to bed, shouldn't he just get a break from them, we've never done it this was before.' If I have to move over there full time, those stockings are going to stay where they are supposed to stay.


My next battle is getting them to understand that he is there for rehab and is not to be babied. Surgery was Monday. On Wednesday, Thursday and half of Friday; he walked with his walker to the lunch room and ate with other rehab patients. Now they let him ride in a wheel chair or eat in his room. The PT has only been doing therapy in his room. He was used to two hour and a half sessions in the gym every day he was in the hospital. He had to walk to get there. I'm frustrated, angry and exhausted. Thanks for listening. cmd

[ThomCat]

1. My mom went though daily hell with the nurses

at my Grandmother's nursing home. They ignored doctor's orders on whatever whim struck them that day, they took my grandmothers clothes and personal things if they thought they would make another patient quiet down. They overmedicated everyone. And they did nothing to maintain PT schedules.
:grr:

[cmd]

3. I didn't even think about over medicating

That may be why he is sleeping so much. I guess I'll have to ask to see his charts tomorrow. Thanks, ThomCat

[Lars39]

2. You need to get in touch with his doctor to let him/her know

that they are doing these things. Start paying attention to name tags, too.
Hope your husband has a very speedy recovery. :hug:

[cmd]

4. Thanks, Lars39

I'd better take along a note pad.

[Lars39]

5. A notepad's a good idea.

I've taken one into the hospital when *I* was the patient.
It helped to write down questions and directions.

[begin_within]

6. Get him home ASAP. Those stockings are normally worn only during the day,

but if your doctor insists they must be worn 24 hrs, I guess he knows better. They are designed to prevent swelling while he is sitting up or standing. Normally when laying down, swelling in the feet and legs isn't a problem. My Mom's doctor prescribed them for daytime only. They really serve no purpose when he is laying down flat, unless he is at high risk for edema (swelling). I would have a serious talk with your doctor about this and also maybe consult with a specialist in edema. The more walking he does, the better. Try to have him discharged to home ASAP, as long as you can handle having him at home, even if you have to hire nurses and physical therapists to come and help you at home. He will do much better at home than at any rehab hospital.

[cmd]

7. He's wearing them to prevent blood clots

Both his surgeon and his doctor insist on them. Trust me, I will be working hard to get him home. I will also be walking him while he is in rehab. Preventing swelling also helps the rehab process. The more he moves, the less the edema, the quicker he recovers.

[begin_within]

9. Yes, and the walking also helps prevent blood clots. It's the lying still

or sitting still for long periods that cause the blood clots to form. The more walking he does, the better for him in every way. I wish you the best and I hope you can have him home with you again soon.

[likesmountains 52]

8. Why do they keep taking them off? I know how hard they can be to put

back on... Good luck to you both..his knees will feel much better, but it it is a bit of a recovery to do both knees at the same time.