Husband insisted on leaving hospital after surgery

Posted by blisst @blisst, May 2 7:53pm

After 3 days (he was due to be released that following morning) he became agitated, slightly paranoid and very insistent that he go. They called me and I picked him up at 2 that morning. I did explain he has dementia but is mild enough he appears mostly of sound mind. He is okay at home but the way he left we didn’t get the information we probably would have got (when to remove bandages, what pain meds he needs, etc). He did do this once before, but about 10 years ago, before he had dementia.

I’m scared that the next time (if there is one) he needs to go to hospital this will happen again. What should I do if this situation ever occurs again?

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@blisst You don't say what stage of dementia your husband is in, but it sounds like you need to seek a durable medical power of attorney so you can manage his care. You can initiate this with his primary doctor.
This could be tough if he is still somewhat competent, and refuses to cooperate. Have you seen an attorney since his diagnosis to get all of your legal paperwork in order? It is best to do it before an emergency arises, and if possible with his cooperation, than to have to get the court involved later.

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@blisst You don't say what stage of dementia your husband is in, but it sounds like you need to seek a durable medical power of attorney so you can manage his care. You can initiate this with his primary doctor.
This could be tough if he is still somewhat competent, and refuses to cooperate. Have you seen an attorney since his diagnosis to get all of your legal paperwork in order? It is best to do it before an emergency arises, and if possible with his cooperation, than to have to get the court involved later.

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@sueinmn sorry, I believe he is stage 3 or early stage is what the doctor said. We do have all our legal paper work in order.

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The standard of care in most hospitals/surgery centers is that when a patient is discharged, he/she must receive the appropriate discharge/aftercare instructions. Usually the patient or responsible person is asked to sign that they were received. If you do not get this information at the time of discharge, I would ask to speak to the discharge planning nurse. Or you can call the surgeon's office and explain that as his caregiver you need aftercare instructions including when the patient is to return for the post-op visit. Just remember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Sometimes we have to advocate on the patients behalf, especially if there is any question of the patient being able to understand and carry out the instructions. This is our situation as my husband has moderate dementia and would have trouble reading, understanding and remembering instructions.

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