The hospital cannot release an elderly person to go somewhere where there is no one to care for them when the patient is physically compromised (either through surgery or in general physical condition).
This is a very difficult situation. If they release him knowing he has no follow up care at home then they can be liable if he dies or is injured.
I guess people should be free to go home and die in pain and probably of thirst after lying on the floor for several days.
We have an elderly person in our neighborhood who has fallen several times and been found by neighbors who drop by occasionally to check on her. One time she had been on the floor for 2 days. Her children (after trying unsuccessfully to get her to go to a nursing home or come live with them) have given up on her. They don’t live in the State and don’t visit anymore.
This is a difficult issue. Some older persons makes it difficult for everyone who are trying to do the right thing. On the other hand, nursing homes can be pretty horrible places.
This isn’t *the hospital*, this is *Adult Protective Services*
In other words, *the government*, *the State*.