Nearly 7 months in the hospital and/or long-term facilities has me feeling down. Got a moment?

[BrotherIvan]

59. If you are in the hospital now, work with your social worker

They can set you up with what you will need from Medicare such as a bed, it might be a medical bed but that's better than hanging off a tiny mattress. They should also give medical supplies for wound care or "the tasks of daily living" (a very important phrase to use). They can also provide a Hoyer lift if you need help getting out of bed and regular nursing visits. If because of your current status you are unable to cook and clean for yourself or it's too much for your wonderful wife sometimes, they can provide someone to come in once or twice a week to help with that. Be firm with them if they are not helpful or work your way up the chain of command. You have rights as a Medicare patient, so do all that you can before you are discharged as a doctor will need to sign the order. Find the most powerful advocate nurse and get him or her to help as they are usually invaluable.

I'm sure some of the medical professionals on DU can help with information. Perhaps posting a thread for answers might help as well. If you are on Medicare, you are in a much better position than private insurance.

I wish you the very best of luck and a wonderful holiday. Medical issues can be very scary and stressful, especially since the system often just wears you down. But you're still alive and yes, kicking, so that is definitely something to celebrate.