I know a family here in Miles City that would like their father placed in a nursing home, here in Miles City, so that he would be close by them. Both nursing homes refuse to take him because he is overweight.
Isn,t that discrimination?

If he is so morbidly obese that carrying for him requires special equipment, such as an extra large bed, that may be an impediment. They may not have the special equipment. This is becoming a serious issue in medical care. Larger wheelchairs, beds, gurneys, etc. don't come cheap.

I wouldn't call him morbidly obese.

Then there may be other reasons beyond his weight.

Did you call Homestead Healthcare? If not, call Bonnie, 234-6670, and she may be able to help you.

medicare should pay for the extra's.

Medicare does not pay for Assisted Living. You write the check yourself. Medicare pays for the Meds and Doctor's visit along with the supplemental insurance. This is as per our experience with having our Mom in Assisted Living and, finally in Extended Care. If there are no assets...I believe Medicaid will pay for the stay. Others may know more as this was in 2002.

If they are not set up or trained for an obese person they can refuse to care for them, that is my understanding. Medicare doesn't pay for a hoyer lift, which is required to move/turn someone who is obese. And they may or may not pay for beds, wheelchairs, etc. When I worked for a home with disabled adults medicare would not pay for those extras. The families had to pay for it.

Is he a veteran? If so, have they tried the VA?

There is one home here in Billings that is set up for severely overweight individuals. The others refused to take my friend's dad due to his size. It's not discrimination. They simply didn't have the larger bed and bedding that was needed and all the extra equipment.
I hope they find a suitable place.

CNA's are train to care for any one no matter what size they are. They have all kind of equipments for people ,to left, or what ever,
He can get up, he just has troubles with standing and whatching his
diet.And remembering to take his pills. How hard is that to take care of.Duh, Duh,

Yes, CNA's are trained to care for all sorts of people but the bigger the person is, the trickier they are to move and care for. Special equipment is not just for the patient but to prevent the caregiver from injuring themselves. You also want to be sure beds, gurneys, wheelchairs, whatever can hold the weight because you don't want them collapsing under a patient.

Increasing patient weight is a serious issue in healthcare. Google it.

Maybe he can live in a home with relatives and have Home Health Care come in? That is always a possibility, I think.

My heart goes out to this family. Our family went thru a much worst experience last Feburary,trying to fulfill a loved ones dieing wish.to be back home to die. Due to the lack of equipment ,short staff ect my loved one passed in billings. I feel that all hospitals should be able to accommodate as well as provide care for our over weight loved ones. Welhome health is awesome,and there is meals on wheels. Best of luck to this family.