I get HIPAA, but sometimes it sucks. My Grandfather died this morning.

[elias7]

120. Thanks, Ruby, I understand better now

Frankly, sometimes someone has to take charge and say screw HIPAA when other concerns supercede. In this case, it sounds like medical staff would not have been privy to what was really happening. The facility was probably asked to send a dietician (because he wasn't eating) and a physical therapist (to assess safety/mobility in the home). But if the facility knew and tried to send food, one option they would have had to take charge and raise concerns over the fitness of his caregiver (grandmother) or force a social service visit over concerns of elder abuse/neglect.

But, in the absence of family member input (you were kept out of the loop), and barring your grandfather's ability to express what was going on, your grandmother's word would be likely the most influential, unless she was clearly off her rocker.

What an awful situation for your grandfather, and a terrible thing for you and your family to go through.

I'll certainly try to be more vigilant of similar situations on my watch...