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noodle-face OP t1_j0rcr5x wrote

Reply to comment by Maronita2020 in Help for my father by noodle-face

Thanks - the problem here is he is refusing the care the hospital is trying to provide. In other words he is refusing dialysis And I think that's causing the hospital to allow him to discharge. Can anything be done in regards to that?

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Maronita2020 t1_j0re3kr wrote

Yes, but in MA hospitals are not supposed to discharge patients to the street. They are supposed to find a bed for them someplace. Why have they not deemed him a risk to himself or others? I think I would go to court and apply to become his guardian even though you have no idea where he is. I would also file a missing person report and get a picture sent to all the hospitals and homeless shelters.

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noodle-face OP t1_j0regoe wrote

My only thought is he may have lied to them. He's essentially been lying us to a very long time about the situation, so i wouldn't put it past him. In think they dropped him off at a holiday inn but he has no debit/credit card.

Thanks for all your help

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angelasnewboobs t1_j0rsxbo wrote

Unfortunately with the massive housing crisis across the United States they always discharge them to the street because they have no place to offer these people. I'm assuming the father keeps going into the hospital because he has nowhere to go. If someone doesn't take this guy and it's going to end badly for him. Luckily for him he's not my father because I'd let him wander the streets shoeless through a snowstorm before I'd take him in.

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Maronita2020 t1_j0s66wo wrote

In MA they are NOT permitted to discharge them to the street. They MUST find a bed for them (even if it is only for the night). I have been an advocate for the homeless so I know what I am talking about. IF someone is coming from a hospital they can either get them a bed usually at one of the shelters in Boston or at the Barbara McInnis House in Boston (as a step down from the hospital.)

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emotionallyasystolic t1_j0rui37 wrote

They can't DC you to the street IF you agree to stay and work with them around placement.

But if you are not a danger to yourself or others, you can leave whenever you want. Whether or not you have a place to go.

If he is not currently making statements of intent to harm himself or others, and is not currently behaving in an immediately life threatening way, and is oriented to reality(not delusional, etc)they cannot take away his right to refuse care.

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Maronita2020 t1_j0s7adp wrote

They can decide not being able to provide a roof over your head as being a danger to yourself, and at least place him on a three day hold. This would give his family a chance to file for guardianship.

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emotionallyasystolic t1_j0so65w wrote

They can't decide that. It is not illegal to be homeless, nor does homelessness render someone incapacitated to make their own decisions.

There is no good answer to situations like these unfortunately

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Maronita2020 t1_j0spybs wrote

They don't do it often, but it actually can be used.

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Quirky_Butterfly_946 t1_j0ruqk2 wrote

Has it dawned on you that he is refusing care because his life has been shattered and he has no one to rely upon? He probably feels like why bother any more. That he does not have the means to go out and find a new place.

Imagine having health issues, constant medical appointments, and then all this happens. How was he getting to his appointments? You have zero understanding what your father has been through and I'm sure he understands that he cannot rely on his family in his time of need. What would you expect from you father if the tables were turned and you were desperate?

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