My father in law had a stroke with left sided paralysis. He’s been in rehab for a week and the case manager thinks one more week then to either SNF or home. I’m an RN and familiar with the requirements of Medicare. He’s active in rehab, but I’m curious if he meets criteria if he would benefit from more days. He needs total care and it seems a little early in the process. Any tips?
If he is total care and you expect him to be so I would, myself, as an old retired RN, be concentrating on the discharge plan, and would be asking discharge to help me find the best SNF care for your Dad, one where he may be able to continue PT and OT.
It sounds as though not a tremendous amount of progress is happening (as you say he remains total care, and I know you are familiar that "most" improvement takes place in the first two weeks after a CVA). I am glad that they are trying another week. I would throw myself upon their mercy in telling them this is your Dad's one chance at some improvement, and attend all care conferences. A caring family, esp with someone in medical practice, can make such a difference. In my brother's case I was even allowed to do this by phone, which wasn't easy, but did help tremendously.
If your FIL has a supplemental gap plan for Medicare, it might cover more PT.
I suggest you make an appt with your Office of Aging to review Dads coverage. Open enrollment is coming up.