My grandpa is currently in hospital. He has been there two weeks, had to have stomach surgery. He has Alzheimer's, severe asthma, and is 88. Been in hospital two weeks, and it's been 11 days since sx(for kink in intestine). He is just now on liquids because bowels were not working until last week. They have mentioned they may send to rehab in a day or two if continues to tolerate liquids then soft foods. Family is concerned about rehab because he is unable to tell people or use call button if needs something or in pain. As of now, his breathing gets very bad just moving from bed to chair and doing PT exercises in room. If took home, would need to try to find around the clock care to assist with him.
It takes elders longer to heal from surgeries, from broken bones, just about anything. I remembered I couldn't leave the hospital until my bowels were working once again. I didn't have any rehab.
Rehab is good, even for an elder. Since Grandfather probably had been in bed most of those 11 days, he needs exercise. I am sure a Physical Therapist at the hospital had been walking him daily. The hospital likes to get you out of bed within 24 hours of surgery, if not sooner.
I wouldn't worry about rehab facility, this isn't their first rodeo with an Alzheimer's patient. They know exactly what to do.
As for going home, yes, it is time he has around the clock care... mainly 3 eight hour shifts of caregivers. Would he be able to afford that? If not, Assisted Living would be less costly if you find one that will take Grandfather in his current condition. Otherwise, he may need to go into long term care. Or apply for Medicaid which would pay for his nursing home care.