- B
- K
- J
Hello friends and family,
My dad, Clif Portnoff, suffered a stroke about a month ago. He lives in Southern Oregon, and I live in Southern California. I came to Oregon to support him in his recovery. The first two weeks were long, and we had to overcome many hurdles. The first hospital he was in did not have an MD available; I never did speak to a doctor in the two weeks he was there. The hospitalist was an NP, and although I am sure highly skilled, did not show the concern, compassion, nor medical care I felt dad needed and deserved. They discharged him from the hospital and sent him to a skilled nursing facility, against my wishes. The first 30 days after a stroke are the most critical to successful rehabilitation. I knew that he needed acute rehab, and I was not sure he would get that at a skilled nursing facility. However, being there, I knew that I could at least advocate for the best treatment and care possible as I would be there. To my surprise, when we arrived, they said dad would have to isolate for two weeks and that I would not be allowed in. I panicked! Fortunately, we have cell phones, so I was able to communicate with dad. It started to get weird from here. He fell out of bed twice, was given non-vegetarian solid foods (even though he was supposed to be on a liquid diet), among a list of other unacceptable things.
When I voiced my concerns with the Director of Nursing, I was met with a list of excuses. By this time, I had sat outside of his window with him and saw the neglect and poor treatment he was enduring for myself. In my heart, I knew I had to get him out of there, but he couldn't stand without two people assisting. It was not safe for me to bring him home. I contacted the Ombudsman for the facility, the social worker, and the Regional VP of the facility. I was hoping that if they knew I was involved, it would get better. It did not! It just kept getting worse. With the help of my family, I decided to have him discharged. The plan was to take him to the ER at the hospital in Medford and try to have him admitted. They have a renowned In-Patient Rehab. It was a LONG road filled with a lot of tears and anxiety for us both. BUT we did it! We got him admitted to the hospital and then acute rehab. They have been fantastic here, and dad is improving. It is a slow process, and I am still here with him.
My concern now has shifted. I do not know how my dad will manage financially with in-home health care when he gets discharged. This hospital visit is covered @ 80% through his Medicare Regence plan. As of today, it has been one month, and we expect to be here at least another week. I have no idea what they will cover in terms of long-term care. Dad lives on a very modest income (1500 a month), and the VA is …. Well, the VA… If dad needed round the clock care for even 8 more weeks after discharge, we are looking at tens of thousands of dollars. He has terrific friends here but no family. He will need someone to be at home with him 24/7, in the beginning. He will need help with his basic daily activities; as well as transportation to and from outpatient rehabilitation. Insurance will not pay for this. Ultimately my goal is to get him close to family, either Northern Cali with my Uncle Jon (Dad's brother) or Southern Cali with my Aunt Cyndy (Dad's sister) and myself. All of this costs money. I know over the years, Dad has made so many friends. I am always humbled by the rich friendships he has. All of the calls, texts, and FB posts aid in the spiritual and emotional healing for dad. If you can donate, that would be awesome. If not, that's ok too. We would ask that perhaps you would find it in your heart to share his story. I love my dad as I know so many of you do, and will continue to take it one day at a time. Thanks for listening!
My dad, Clif Portnoff, suffered a stroke about a month ago. He lives in Southern Oregon, and I live in Southern California. I came to Oregon to support him in his recovery. The first two weeks were long, and we had to overcome many hurdles. The first hospital he was in did not have an MD available; I never did speak to a doctor in the two weeks he was there. The hospitalist was an NP, and although I am sure highly skilled, did not show the concern, compassion, nor medical care I felt dad needed and deserved. They discharged him from the hospital and sent him to a skilled nursing facility, against my wishes. The first 30 days after a stroke are the most critical to successful rehabilitation. I knew that he needed acute rehab, and I was not sure he would get that at a skilled nursing facility. However, being there, I knew that I could at least advocate for the best treatment and care possible as I would be there. To my surprise, when we arrived, they said dad would have to isolate for two weeks and that I would not be allowed in. I panicked! Fortunately, we have cell phones, so I was able to communicate with dad. It started to get weird from here. He fell out of bed twice, was given non-vegetarian solid foods (even though he was supposed to be on a liquid diet), among a list of other unacceptable things.
When I voiced my concerns with the Director of Nursing, I was met with a list of excuses. By this time, I had sat outside of his window with him and saw the neglect and poor treatment he was enduring for myself. In my heart, I knew I had to get him out of there, but he couldn't stand without two people assisting. It was not safe for me to bring him home. I contacted the Ombudsman for the facility, the social worker, and the Regional VP of the facility. I was hoping that if they knew I was involved, it would get better. It did not! It just kept getting worse. With the help of my family, I decided to have him discharged. The plan was to take him to the ER at the hospital in Medford and try to have him admitted. They have a renowned In-Patient Rehab. It was a LONG road filled with a lot of tears and anxiety for us both. BUT we did it! We got him admitted to the hospital and then acute rehab. They have been fantastic here, and dad is improving. It is a slow process, and I am still here with him.
My concern now has shifted. I do not know how my dad will manage financially with in-home health care when he gets discharged. This hospital visit is covered @ 80% through his Medicare Regence plan. As of today, it has been one month, and we expect to be here at least another week. I have no idea what they will cover in terms of long-term care. Dad lives on a very modest income (1500 a month), and the VA is …. Well, the VA… If dad needed round the clock care for even 8 more weeks after discharge, we are looking at tens of thousands of dollars. He has terrific friends here but no family. He will need someone to be at home with him 24/7, in the beginning. He will need help with his basic daily activities; as well as transportation to and from outpatient rehabilitation. Insurance will not pay for this. Ultimately my goal is to get him close to family, either Northern Cali with my Uncle Jon (Dad's brother) or Southern Cali with my Aunt Cyndy (Dad's sister) and myself. All of this costs money. I know over the years, Dad has made so many friends. I am always humbled by the rich friendships he has. All of the calls, texts, and FB posts aid in the spiritual and emotional healing for dad. If you can donate, that would be awesome. If not, that's ok too. We would ask that perhaps you would find it in your heart to share his story. I love my dad as I know so many of you do, and will continue to take it one day at a time. Thanks for listening!