Knee surgery and rehab place?

[Anonymous]

My 81 year old mom is scheduled for knee surgery in a few weeks. We’re handling the myriad of pre-surgery clearances but I’m pretty concerned about post-surgery care. After her last knee surgery I was able to move in with her for a week and take care of her. She has since moved to an independent living place and my house isn’t conducive to her needs. I’d love to get her into a rehab after her surgery and I think they’ll be onboard for a few days. But I’m due to leave town the following weekend (8 days after the surgery) for something I can’t get out of. Does anyone have any knowledge or experience with having their elderly parent in a rehab place for 10 days post-surgery. She’s able to pay out of pocket if needed.

[Anonymous]

My mom has done rehab twice in her mid and late 80s (shoulder surgery and mini strokes). Both times were the right move. She got a lot more attention and a lot more care and had great recoveries. Plus, it helped instill the new behaviors. She and my brother (who lives with her) got it set up through the hospital.

Sorry I can't recommend a rehab center as she doesn't live in the DC area.

[Anonymous]

If she can pay out of pocket you’ll have no issues. For insurance ten days is iffy.

[Anonymous]

OP, how did you come up with 10 days post-op?

My recommendation would be to see if your mom's surgeon and medical providers can medically justify a rehab stay post-op? If it's medically necessary, I would think at her age, would be, then Medicare and her Medicare supplement should cover the rehab stay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, how did you come up with 10 days post-op?

My recommendation would be to see if your mom's surgeon and medical providers can medically justify a rehab stay post-op? If it's medically necessary, I would think at her age, would be, then Medicare and her Medicare supplement should cover the rehab stay.

Ten days is due to me having to be out of town on days 8-10 post-op. I know she’ll need less after the first few days but I’m not going to be able to be around at all those days so I was hoping to keep her somewhere until I could get back and be present. I’m confident we could get a few days approved with no issues it’s just the longer stay.

[Anonymous]

If your mom needs a longer stay than what is covered by her insurance, or she makes a lot of progress and the rehab team decides to discharge her before she/you feel she’s ready to be home, you can seek out facilities that offer “respite care” for private pay. Many of the rehab facilities offer this, actually; when you’re deciding where she’s to go, you can ask if they offer respite as well, and you can ask their rates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If your mom needs a longer stay than what is covered by her insurance, or she makes a lot of progress and the rehab team decides to discharge her before she/you feel she’s ready to be home, you can seek out facilities that offer “respite care” for private pay. Many of the rehab facilities offer this, actually; when you’re deciding where she’s to go, you can ask if they offer respite as well, and you can ask their rates.

Thanks for that info! That’s what I assume we’re going to have to do but I wasn’t sure what to ask for. I really appreciate it!