79yo Grandmother Hospitalized with Pneumonia
My mamaw is 79 years old and hospitalized with pneumonia. She has poorly controlled diabetes- thinks a blood sugar of 250 is a good thing, congenital heart failure, and kidney problems. Takes medication for diabetes, heart, and daily opioids for spinal surgeries from the early 2000s.
I used to be her caregiver until it was time for me to move out of state. My dad lives next door to her and assured me he had it in hand. He has not. Ive documented a lot of neglect. I got wind she was in the hospital and made the trip to see her. She told me she had been coughing up blood for the past few weeks and feeling sick. My dad and his wife didnt take her to the doctor. She ended up calling an ambulance for herself and has been in the hospital since Friday.
Last night she had the thing up her nose for oxygen and the nurse said her heart was at 62% and her kidneys were not where they wanted them. Blood sugar is controlled. She was having a hard time conversating with me, couldnt catch her breath and struggling to breathe.
Today I saw her again and in the span of 13 hours she was visibly worse and had a mask over her nose and mouth for oxygen and could talk even less. She said she feels no better than when she first arrived despite antibiotics. I also noticed her nails look black.
Her whiteboard boasts a big DNR label and her goals entail a reduction in oxygen and being able to walk to the bathroom.
I called adult protective services and when they got back to me, I was informed that the hospital told them they intend to send her home today.
She has no support at home because my dad didnt take time off work and he is regularly gone 4 days a week and his wife refuses to care for mamaw.
I am shocked and angry that they are releasing her, I feel like she will die if she goes home now. I dont understand. Am I missing something? The nurse told the social worker that they 'have no concerns'.
Is it normal to release an elderly patient in this condition?