At least half, if not 75% of my patients tend to be angry about having to have home health. Because I do so many OASIS admits and recerts I end up spending a lot of time in surly people's homes. I realize that they are ill, hurting, scared, aging, demented, worried about cost, but now 4 weeks into it is really starting to be strange to me. Even after I explain that Medicare covers the cost entirely they make me feel like I am doing a gynecological exam or something.
Yesterday I had to admit a 80 yr old lady who had had a total hip. She sat with a strange demented smirk and stared past me, not answering my questions. I am very friendly, caring, warm, don't rush into the bowel movement questions, but her husband acted like he was under attack again in Normandy. "Do you have pain?" no answer, stare into space, turn to husband after about 15 questions go unanswered and ask quietly "Is she ever confused?" He turns and yells "AREN'T WE ALL???" Whatever, get in my car and go.
Next lady, another hip, I do all of my explaining. She just kept harping at me "This wasn't how it was when I had my other hip done" She wanted me to set up a strict schedule of visits because "I am very active and am not home a lot" Oh Lord, then I had to explain home-bound status. She was furious, assuring me that back 2005 no such thing existed.
I could go on and on. I'm not the kind of person who rushes in, demanding attention and ordering them around, but this is just weird.
One more thing: Have you guys noticed that most patients don't turn the tv off (or even down) when you're there? I swear, everyone watches Judge Judy and has their curtains shut, probably so the smoke won't go out! :)
