Holidays in rehab centers? (surgery, not substance abuse)

[rubytue]

Has anyone dealt with a family member in a surgical rehab center during a holiday? Are there special meals family can come to? Should I plan to bring her turkey, pie, etc?

Back story: Step-mom had knee replacement surgery and was discharged to rehab rather than home. We hope it's only for 10 days (bc I can only stay til dec 1). I'm going down to help with my father. I'm sure I figure more out once I get there Monday, but I'm trying to think ahead.

[v]

When is her surgery? I bet you could jailbreak her for the holiday and return her after the meal. We did that when we came down to visit my grandpa when he was in with a broken hip. I know all circumstances are different, but my mom would have been up for that after her discharge from the hospital after her knee replacements.

[tacom]

It might depend on the level of rehab she's in, but we let our subacute rehab patients go on "pass" with their families if they're medically appropriate and the patient/family has been trained in appropriate care for the time they'll be gone

Recreational therapy also schedules special events for those who are unable to leave on their own and are appropriate to participate.

I'd ask if there are any options at your center!

We always allow families to bring in outside food as long as it is consistent with diet recommendations

[rubytue]

Nov 21, 2014 18:20:31 GMT -5 v said:

When is her surgery? I bet you could jailbreak her for the holiday and return her after the meal. We did that when we came down to visit my grandpa when he was in with a broken hip. I know all circumstances are different, but my mom would have been up for that after her discharge from the hospital after her knee replacements.

Surgery was on Tuesday. She was expecting to be discharged home, but recovery has not gone well at all. All I know right now is she was sent to a rehab center today. I hope to get the name/address tonight. Maybe she will be home by Wednesday

Step-sis and I are doing the parental hand-off on Monday. But right now, I'm getting very little info other than I need to be down there on Monday. I talk to my dad, but Alzheimer's. Step-sis, who went down to take care of dad, is with her mom and I haven't heard from them.

[laurao]

I work as a recreation therapist at rehab we do everything in our power to get all clients home, even if it's just for the day/a few hours. If they can't go home, there is always a small celebration at the rehab, but most of the celebrations are done prior to the actual holiday (our main party is in mid December for the inpatients)

[rubytue]

Thanks! I finally got some info about what the heck is going on. She did get settled into the rehab center today, and my dad & step-sis had dinner with her. They expect her to stay about a week. And I've been promised a call tomorrow with real info. No one else is thinking about the holiday, and I don't even think it's even on the radar bc of other issues that have popped up.

Meanwhile, I'm trying to ignore the sneezing and sniffles developing, bc the last thing I need right now is a cold!

[mich1]

I had surgery Christmas Eve to remove my first hip, was released to a rehab unit 5 days later so spent New Years Eve there.

Both the hospital and the rehab unit had things going on. For Christmas, there was a special dinner and other things....most I don't remember as I was still pretty drugged up. The rehab facility had a party, and people coming around to rooms with goodies if you weren't mobile (I was not).

Just leaving a rehab center is more difficult than you'd think. In the 3+ weeks, the only time I left was for doctor appointments (I think I had 2). It was very difficult for me, because I was on a fairly strict antibiotic (IV) and pain meds regimen. Leaving the facility really upset my schedule, and would have been difficult to leave more than a few hours. I probably wouldn't have left, but for needing to see my surgeon.

[cst2cst]

I work at an acute rehab. We are having a huge event on Wednesday and staff are baking for the event. Our patients generally can't leave (because they require an acute hospitalization) but our Rec Therapist does great events for the Holidays. Family is always welcome to join for meals and visit anytime at our center.

[memenee]

I am aware of one facilty around here that has a beautiful thanksgiving dinner for patients. They are allowed one family member to eat for free with them; additional people pay per person.

Otherwise, depending on diagnosis, you can go out on pass for the day.

Or you can bring in food to have a little celebration of your own on site.

Call and ask what your rehab allows and enjoy your day!

[rubytue]

In case anyone is dying for an update - they do have dinner and we can eat, too. Actually, we can eat any meal with the patients for $10. Step-mom keeps saying how good it is. I say, meh, it's old folks home food. Needs salt (and I never add salt!), seasoning, or something. But hey, it's the company, right? And they will be doing traditional thanksgiving foods.