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[h=2]Grandmother deprived of rehabilitation due to ‘low rehab potential’[/h]Posted by temasektimes on September 20, 2012
I would like to raise my concern with regard to the emerging challenges of old age care in Singapore.
My grandma is 78 years old and have Parkinson. She had a fall 2 months ago and underwent 2 surgeries. The last one being a Total Hip Replacement done last Tuesday, she was admitted straight to the High Dependence Ward for 4days due to massive loss of blood during the surgery. Thankfully, the team of doctors and nurses managed to stabilized her condition which I am eternally grateful for.
Understood few days ago that Alexandra Hospital is eager to have her discharged and places like St Luke is not willing to take her in, due to “no/low rehab potential”.
I wonder how was the conclusion of “no/low” rehab potential reached without patient being given a chance?
Prior to the fall, my grandma was attending a Daycare Centre for elderly and is brought home to be cared by family members at nights, on a rotation basis amongst us. Now that she is wheelchair bound and low/no chance of being accepted back into any regular daycare, we are at a total loss as we have no mean of caring for her in the day. We definitely do not want to succumb to current situation and have her sent to old folks home – the easy way out chose by many. This so called “easy way out” will no doubt break a traditional woman like my grandma. Old folks home = abandonment.
Our wishful thinking from the start was that grandma will be referred from AH to probably a rehab hospital (example. St Luke) for at least a couple of months of rehab. She will regain some of her mobility and be considered again by daycare, we can continue to care for her the way we used to.
Due to a simply-reached “no rehab” or “low rehab” potential, she was deprived the chance.
We want to care for my grandma the way she would prefer most but how? Hands, unfortunately, have to keep working to feed the mouths? We can’t simply quit our job and be a full time carer. Hire a helper? Now what about the helper who was hired to care for that old lady and ended up murdering her? Can anyone guarantee lady luck blessed us with a good helper or have a bet with lady luck, courtesy of my grandmas’ safety? And why would I choose an inexperienced helper over experienced nurses in a rehab hospital? All we need is a couple of months, give my grandma the chance she deserves before the “no rehab” potential and really “low rehab” potential does not equal “no”. Why, I have to ask again, is my grandma deprive the opportunity?
My heart aches whenever I see my grandma. What have years put on her appearance, mind and health? Beside the physical pain she have to endure, there’s the pushing game going on.. no decent place to keep her till she is better to be back where she wants most.. home.
With utter disappointment,
Adel
I would like to raise my concern with regard to the emerging challenges of old age care in Singapore.
My grandma is 78 years old and have Parkinson. She had a fall 2 months ago and underwent 2 surgeries. The last one being a Total Hip Replacement done last Tuesday, she was admitted straight to the High Dependence Ward for 4days due to massive loss of blood during the surgery. Thankfully, the team of doctors and nurses managed to stabilized her condition which I am eternally grateful for.
Understood few days ago that Alexandra Hospital is eager to have her discharged and places like St Luke is not willing to take her in, due to “no/low rehab potential”.
I wonder how was the conclusion of “no/low” rehab potential reached without patient being given a chance?
Prior to the fall, my grandma was attending a Daycare Centre for elderly and is brought home to be cared by family members at nights, on a rotation basis amongst us. Now that she is wheelchair bound and low/no chance of being accepted back into any regular daycare, we are at a total loss as we have no mean of caring for her in the day. We definitely do not want to succumb to current situation and have her sent to old folks home – the easy way out chose by many. This so called “easy way out” will no doubt break a traditional woman like my grandma. Old folks home = abandonment.
Our wishful thinking from the start was that grandma will be referred from AH to probably a rehab hospital (example. St Luke) for at least a couple of months of rehab. She will regain some of her mobility and be considered again by daycare, we can continue to care for her the way we used to.
Due to a simply-reached “no rehab” or “low rehab” potential, she was deprived the chance.
We want to care for my grandma the way she would prefer most but how? Hands, unfortunately, have to keep working to feed the mouths? We can’t simply quit our job and be a full time carer. Hire a helper? Now what about the helper who was hired to care for that old lady and ended up murdering her? Can anyone guarantee lady luck blessed us with a good helper or have a bet with lady luck, courtesy of my grandmas’ safety? And why would I choose an inexperienced helper over experienced nurses in a rehab hospital? All we need is a couple of months, give my grandma the chance she deserves before the “no rehab” potential and really “low rehab” potential does not equal “no”. Why, I have to ask again, is my grandma deprive the opportunity?
My heart aches whenever I see my grandma. What have years put on her appearance, mind and health? Beside the physical pain she have to endure, there’s the pushing game going on.. no decent place to keep her till she is better to be back where she wants most.. home.
With utter disappointment,
Adel
