An eating disorder happened in 1980s and has resurfaced due to stress of surgery. Food smells bad, texture not good, feels gritty etc. She is 73 and due to be sent home. Still so weak and can’t shower alone, shouldn’t be alone in her home. Lives on a very fixed income. What can be done? I think she really needs a rehab at a center that treats eating disorders, but she is so weak and needs help getting around. Who to consult in Pennsylvania for this elder problem?
I'm not sure if you have the power to do anything if you aren't her PoA or Medical Representative. You can try to pass on this info to her primary doctor or the nurse in her rehab.
If she's so weak she can't stand, then discuss this "unsafe discharge" with the rehab admins. Again, if she's competent, she can check herself out if she can get herself home. Don't tell the staff you are her caregiver or they will think you'll be taking care of her at home, regardless of her problems you listed.
First and foremost I would make sure she gets checked to make absolutely sure she isn't having a different problem than what you think.
I would not be the one who picks her up if you don't feel she is ready to come home. Once you walk out that door with her, you will be responsible for her care.
I worked for Township subsidized Visiting Nurses. We saw clients only under a doctor order. We always were getting calls from residents all upset because they had no idea what was going to happen with a LO after a hospital stay. I had to tell them that discharge will discuss that with them. Rehab is usually a given, "in home" next. We could not get involved if another agency was already set up. If "in home" is not an option, then discharge needs to be made aware.
Up to them what they do with that.
If "Elma" as I have named her, is up to it you can TELL her you are going to drop that bomb on the POA. Or not. Or you can ask her yourself and not tell anyone else. Quite honestly, you aren't a family member. This really isn't at all in your control.