I was scheduled for surgery today. When they were prepping me, I found out they wouldn't let me go home unless there was somebody there to monitor me for the next 24 hours. My wife is in a senior care facility and at home is just me and my dog. I then asked them if they ever operated on single people? They said it was a rule. I had never heard of this despite previous operations. Has anybody else encountered this? Thanks.
Alan
It's a cruel, cruel world.
So many solo folks, it is impossible these days. Some town senior centers sponsor care "friends". Pay is going rate maybe $20 to $30 hour Do not know.
I live in a studio. Hard to describe how small !!!
Shower only, galley kitchen. No way to have 24 hr company!!!
This should have been discussed with you when they asked who will be taking you home after surgery.
This is standard practice.
Now I will admit I have had surgery and while I did get a ride to and from I did not tell them that there would be no one with me for the next 24 hours.
They are not going to follow you home and make sure that there is someone there.
You are not hooked up to a lie detector when they ask you if someone will be with you.
But for legal reasons they have to ask. Up to you if you tell the truth or not.
(I will say for one surgery, Macular Hole repair, I did have my sister stay with me for a week as I was unable to stand upright, I had to be face down for minimum 7 days)
Now the joke is if I need an outpatient surgery, who will take me so we can shop afterwards! --- Have someone take you and instruct them ahead of time that even if you ask, don't go shopping.
As a note, it might also be a precautionary to watch for bleeding or weakness. Cataract surgery means no bending and eye meds afterwards. If you were alone and dropped something, you might need a little help. Even single people would have to find a buddy.
You cannot have sedation or anesthesia and get released on your own.
When you reschedule, ask if calling a cab is good enough, or if you need to arrange for an ambulette.
You can't drive if you've been under anesthesia, and you also can do some dumb things while feeling normal but in reality you're still a bit loopy.
they do not do their job! "Unsafe discharge " is the magic term you need to use. Your local County Aging office may also offer some assistance , and caregivers on their registry are vetted. Very unprofessional that the hospital did not discuss this with you ahead of time. I would shop around for next time ....
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