How to Avoid the Perils of a Too-Soon Hospital Discharge

It sounds like your blaming yourself for what your father endured. Its' not your fault and as for having him stay in the hospital they likely would have said "Hes' fine to go". However they should have taken steps into helping him walk around, watching him getting in/out of bed. Its' the Healthcare System to blame NOT YOU!! With him being elderly, their bones become brittle and break easily. You didn't mention whether he is home now or not however when he is make sure that he is on a Calcium Pill as well as dairy products. If I'm not mistaken he should have 1500mg. of Calcium per day. This usually amts. to 2 pills per day. There is nothing that you could have done differently because of so much shortage in Nursing, Healthcare Aides etc. They only keep you in for as long as they feel deemed necessary unfortunately. Even when it comes to giving birth and mom and baby being sent home the next day, which I myself as a Healthcare Aide think is terrible. It doesn't even give a first time mom time to learn what they need to know when they get home. I'm sure you understand where I'm coming from. Just make sure that when he comes' home after hip surgery that someone is there for him, as in a Personal Support Worker, Anti-Em Stocking to stop any blood clotting. Very hard to get on/off but very worth the time and effort. A walker perhaps or cane to help him get around and to keep his balance. If a cane and nobody tells you, to measure where the cane should be, have him put his arm down. Put the cane beside him and make sure the top of the cane is at his wrist. If not adjust it to that fit so he is not bent over trying to walk with it. or walking on a tilt backwards'. The hospital should, if not the Access Centre (Nursing) should take a look at his Aide to help assist in his walking. No stairs until he at least feels comfortable going up/down. This I would wait for at least a couple of weeks. Sending you Hugs and a Prayer. I hope this has given you some help in knowing what to do.