Families should be given more options

I’m very disappointed with a system that appears to be in place at a local hospital. It is my understanding that a hospital patient and/or the family of the patient are to be consulted regarding care decisions. I am concerned because this seems not to be the case in my situation and I suspect in others as well.

Recently my mother, who was in the hospital, was assessed as needing nursing home placement. When this was determined, a social worker at the hospital advised me that my mother was going either to the transitional care unit or a nursing home. I was unaware, at the time, of the right we have to choose from a list of nursing homes and I feel as though the hospital took advantage of my lack of knowledge because they never explained this or gave me any list of appropriate facilities. I’m sure that it was easier for them to send my mom to the nursing home they did, but that may not have been our wish had we been given the opportunity to tour other options.

I don’t know if the hospital has some type of agreement in place with the nursing home or with the transitional care unit, but as a loving son I would like to be given the opportunity to tour several facilities and help my mom make a informed decision. She has a right to decide what she feels is the best place for her and what is most convenient for the family who will be visiting her regularly.

Everett