You are a nurse, caring for an elderly man. This man is occasionally confused, but can generally take care of himself. He is very proud of his son, the lawyer, and talks about his son constantly. You have just found out the son is going to use his power of attorney (his father gave him this right by signing papers that say he can make decisions for him if he is UNABLE to) to place his father in a nursing home. The son has forbidden anyone to tell his father where he is going after discharge. The patient thinks he is going home. Would you tell the patient what's going on? What would you do any why? :) Thanks!
2007-03-12 17:02:02 · 20 answers · asked by *~*~*~* 4 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Polls & Surveys
Make sure that the social worker has connected with this family and that she is aware of the situation. The Nurse is the patient's advocate first and foremost, and her concern should be for his welfare. The health care team can decide together what plan of action should be taken as far as his after care goes and as long as you have shared you observations and feelings about what's going on with this patient and his son then that's the best you can do.
2007-03-12 17:41:01 · answer #1 · answered by kmv 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would leave it alone. Not being a family member, if the man is "generally" able to care for himself, then he has rights and a court of law can establish that. If he settles for a nursing home, than he is not able to care for himself. And obviously the son does not feel able; or want to offer care in his home for whatever reason. Nursing homes cannot hold the man hostage, if he is cognitive he can get representation from Social Security or the County Welfare. If he does not know any better than a nursing home is best until a "Hero surfaces and takes the reins and responsibility. The Dad must have reason to trust his son as he signed a power of attorney at some point, had to be that he realized he might not be able to care for himself at some point. Some children take advantage, but on the whole they care and do the best that is within them for their parents. That is all any of us should ask, to not be a burden to the children we gave life to! And they in turn will do what is proper and best, trust God for all else.
2007-03-13 00:14:25 · answer #2 · answered by Faerie loue 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No don't tell the elderly gentleman. His son knows father better than you or anyone at the hospital. If you told him and he didn't go to a pch and went to his home, how would u feel if he fell and got hurt bad or even died. He needs someone to look after him. Some one to make sure he took his meds, ate right and was cared for the right way. By the way the hospital adm. couldn't do anything. The son has a signed power of attorney. Good Luck.
2007-03-13 00:15:51 · answer #3 · answered by lilly pad 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would honestly stay out of it. It might even be in his best interest if he gets confused. It's likely you don't know the whole story. There is nothing that you can do anyway if he's got power of attorney other than trying to talk the son out of it. If you tell the elderly man what's going on then you've just intervened in a situation which could potentially get you in a lot of trouble.
2007-03-13 00:11:06 · answer #4 · answered by grawby 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Although this sounds like a very sad story. I think that you will have to respect the decision of the son...not because it is right but because it could do more damage to the old man. I used to work at a seniors lodge and I heard of many disturbing things however in this situation especially since you said he can be confused it's best the stories stay consistant. You sound like a great person, take comfort in the fact that you treated him well, with respect and dignity like he deserves.
2007-03-13 00:10:23 · answer #5 · answered by Sara M 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As you probably know, you are only the nurse and should mind your business. I know this is hard because caring for people is your business. But you could be fired or worse fired and sued. I might do someting like find another relative that feels the way you do but let it be their idea to tell the man. Be careful your heart is in the right place but there are people out there with little or no concern for your feelings.
2007-03-13 00:08:45 · answer #6 · answered by psst 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I worked in a nursing home for several years. It is very sad that the son isn't telling his dad what is going on, but if you aren't family I would stay out of it, especially if the elderly man is in and out of it. Good luck
2007-03-13 00:05:54 · answer #7 · answered by pchiz 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'd talk it over with the floor nurse. Then tell his son you are uncomfortable lying to his father. Let them handle it. But still be pleasant and cheerful to the gentleman and try to avoid all conversation on his going home if you still have to care for him.
2007-03-13 00:12:25 · answer #8 · answered by kitkat1640 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No don't tell him this is a hard decision for the son even if you don't see it ...Lots of people do this and it is probably best for the gentleman he probably is safer in a home...with care...Older people do not want to go to a home so whenever he finds out he will be disappointed no need to burst his bubble now it can wait...
2007-03-13 00:07:10 · answer #9 · answered by Jennifer 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would tell him. The son cannot force you not to. Just tell the patient not to tell the son it was you that told him. If he is lucid most of the time then the son should find something better to do with him than to throw him away in a nursing home. He will hate his son for it.
2007-03-13 00:07:03 · answer #10 · answered by lilly j 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋