Dealing with geriatric in facility

[LauraL]

My mom is a fairly healthy 96 yr old. She went in the hospital for some weakness and confusion (not gluten related). They didn’t treat her issues because she appears so healthy. Now however, she’s been sent to a rehab facility for maybe 30 days. A therapist there stated they are clueless on gluten-free diet. She’s going  to try to observe when she’s there (half days) but she’s very concerned.

Moms HMO is in crisis mode. There is no choice of facilities allowed under that condition. We had no choice at all. We also do not have immediate accessibility for mom in our home. We’re all low income and can’t afford much.We don’t know what will happen when they release her. And right now? She’s totally in harms way.  My husband has cancer but likes to cook. I can deliver dinners. But im not there 24/7.  I wish I could interview and choose a place for this rehab phase.  I don’t know if we have any rights. This is overwhelmingly sad.

[Scott Adams]

Welcome to the forum!

If I understand your post correctly, your mother has celiac disease and needs to be on a gluten-free diet but has been sent to this rehab clinic, is that correct?

Are you her legal guardian or do you have any power of attorney? Since you are next of kin you should have the right to go in and visit her to find out what is going on there.

I will admit that I’m not an expert in this area and don’t understand all the different legal nuances, but you should definitely have visitation rights with your mother.

[LauraL]

Hi thanks for the welcome. I was a member years ago, for my mom. 
Anyway what I’m worried about is that they forced us to go there. And I just wish that I could interview places, and find a place that might be a little more familiar with gluten-free. And Heaven knows what will happen if she needs a permanent facility. We just don’t know yet. 

[trents]

LauraL, the only suggestion I have for you is to call the facility and talk to the kitchen manager. Ask them if there is any provision for feeding clients with gluten-related health disorders. Try to get a feel for if they even understand what that is about. If it is apparent they do not, then simplify it for them as much as you can by asking them to not feed your mom anything that contains wheat. I ache for you. This whole thing is a bummer and is probably being repeated in a lot of healthcare facilities right now because of COVID-related lockouts of family members. God bless.

[LauraL]

When this therapist called today, she told me to be pretty much on top of this at least a few times a week. We did get the cook to actually go purchase some foods but go figure, then the items didn’t make it to mom’s meals. The manager of the place told me they go by state rules for gluten free standards. Then told me a few that are totally wrong. Guess the state needs an education too.

[trents]

Oh, this is so sad! But why am I not surprised at the inadequacy of the state's understanding of celiac disease and gluten issues and their failure of handling this effectively?

[captaincrab55]

Hi, Sorry to hear how Mom and family is caught up in a catch 22 situation.    IMO, you need to call your local Social Services ASAP.   Please report back with updates.

[Scott Adams]

I think this is every celiac's worst nightmare...to be stuck in a place where they have no control over their diet, and those who do don't have a clue. This article is older, but vert relevant: