Stahlke Adoption

Change of Events

During Dad's last hospitalization, the staff told us that he would be in isolation the rest of his life because one of his infections had "colonized." That means that even if he is asymptomatic, he still carries the infection in his body. This news was very depressing thing to hear, for it means that he cannot leave his room except to go on a wheelchair ride outside, which are infrequent. In addition, staff and visitors have to wear gowns and masks when spending time with him. We were all very sad about this turn of events.

Last week, I received word that Dad is no longer in isolation. That's great news, but I was bewildered as to what had changed. My mother told me that each institution writes its own rules, and that the hospital is stricter than the nursing home. Dad's residence (Sleepy Hollow) doesn't require isolation unless the client is symptomatic.

I am very happy about this, but wish that the hospital had been more clear that the isolation rules are their own and not universal. That would have saved us some heartache.

posted by Stahlkes @ 1:55 PM