What post-op care can someone get in the home?

[whimpervein]

I'm new here. My father just had another heart attack. This time the hospital operated and put three stints in his heart. He self-discharged within 12 hours of the operation and refuses to go back to the hospital because he thinks he will die there. What care can he get in the home?

[SpiritoftheFloyd]

Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear you're having problems with your father discharging himself from hospital. I can see that you're in Australia so can't really comment on what the healthcare is there. Certainly in the UK he would not win any friends in the NHS by discharging himself and the amount of care he'd be offered in the home would be very little if he refuses to engage with the health professionals . With Covid, even the most compliant patients have difficulty in getting to see a GP/consultant face to face, so sadly someone who walks out of hospital against advice will have even greater difficulty in getting help. Even before Covid the NHS would warn patents in their appointment letter to turn up as those who failed to turn up ran the risk of being discharged back to their GP. I'd try and have a telephone chat with his doctor to see what his views are on the subject, or perhaps even try to get a face to face appointment with his GP and go with him. I'm guessing that he is in his 70s so if there are follow appointments offered he needs to take them up. Sorry I can't be of any real help, A friend of mine some years ago refused to address his health issues and after walking out of hospital his GP basically gave up on him - it's a very difficult situation to find yourself in, hope you are able to resolve it,

[whimpervein in reply to SpiritoftheFloyd]

Thanks SpiritoftheFloyd . My father is in Epsom, England. I can't get a flight back to do anything. My sister is still in the UK and doing what she can but it is very difficult. He lives in the family home with my mother, who has her own health issues. They are both in their 80's and very stubborn.

[SpiritoftheFloyd in reply to whimpervein]

Sorry I assumed he was in Australia. I fairly certain that his self-discharge from the hospital will have been communicated back to his GP. At his age and after having 3 stents he needs to be followed up, Did he leave hospital with the normal bag of meds prescribed to people who have had a heart attack? I'm hoping that he did as taking those meds are crucial to his recovery. If he has those medicines, he will in the near future have to request a re-supply from his GP - that could be the time to approach his GP with him. Normally in hospital, whatever you're age, the staff always try to establish whether you will be able to cope on being discharged, but he's probably side-stepped this process by self-discharging.

A good avenue for advise is Age UK, their number is 0800 678 1602 - 8am to 7pm 7 days a week.

[whimpervein]

Thank you so much SpiritoftheFloyd - I believe he has meds after talking to my sister and he has been booked in for a check up at the hospital. I'll contact Age UK, I really appreciate the guidance. Thank you. 🙏

[firstlight40]

Hello, where he is is local to me so I can say the heart care after stebts is very good. If he is taking the drugs that's excellent start but there is also a very good cardiac rehab team at Epsom hospital who are doing face to face appointments and group exercise classes. He will be sent a letter for follow up and they will look after him well.

[whimpervein in reply to firstlight40]

Thanks firstlight40

[Sprinst]

The 1st thing is to have his needs assessed age concern will advise you in this there are 2 elements continuous care which is NHS funded and Social care which is means tested and can be part funded depending on the situation but often you may need to pay. Assessing his needs is an important part as this will help with access to various benefits which will be a key element. For example attendance allowance. We had a similar situation with my father law who regularly walked out of hospital. Once we had him assessed we did get him a carer in place who visited him twice a day which was partly funded . Getting them to accept that they need support is difficult sometimes but once through it in my experience it helps and works well for them. If you have problems ask your GP or the hospital to refer him to the social worker. The hospital ones are usually the best as they work with the hospital. Focus on the importance of supervised medication in particular to manage the condition and general well-being. Good luck in this difficult time 😐

[whimpervein in reply to Sprinst]

Thank you Sprinst .

[Isobel1]

When I came out of hospital after my heart op, the hospital social workers contacted my local hospital carers dept, which is separate from means tested social care at home.,

I could have had 6 weeks with carers coming in four times a day, to help with personal care, getting in out out of bed, help with meals etc. They can also provide equipment like zimmer frames etc.

However that's not going to address the problem of him having no supervision of his medical condition. X rays. ECGs etc. BP checks .

If he's taking his meds, that's something. As others have suggested your sister could try ringing his GP & seeing if they can be of any help.

It must be very frustrating for you & your sister. You can only do so much to help. Good luck !