Are you searching for long-term care for yourself or a family member?
This can be both an exciting and sometimes stressful process. You want to ensure you or your loved one receives the best care in a clean and reputable facility. You also want to ensure the place is comfortable and a good fit.
Skilled nursing care is a phrase you’ll frequently come across as you research senior assisted living facilities. Those who need extra care after an accident may receive a referral from their doctor to stay at a skilled nursing facility as they recover. Others may need permanent care and need to move to a place that can provide the necessary services and care.
But what exactly does skilled nursing care entail? If you’re looking for long-term or short-term personal care, here’s what you need to know about skilled nursing care.
Understanding Skilled Nursing Care
Skilled nursing care is the practice of licensed healthcare professionals offering a high level of medical and personal care. These licensed healthcare professionals include registered nurses (RNs) and therapists.
Skilled nursing care ensures a senior or patient receives the best medical care and treatment based on their unique needs. Most individuals receiving nursing care are unable to care for themselves or need temporary medical assistance.
You can find skilled nursing care at senior assisted living homes, skilled nursing facilities, and through at-home nursing providers.
When Skilled Nursing Care Is Necessary
Not every senior or patient needs skilled nursing care. Those who need skilled nursing care usually experienced an illness, injury, or the inability to care for themselves due to aging. The most common reasons for skilled nursing care are:
- Post-surgery and wound care
- Monitoring and dispensing complex medications
- Diabetic help
- Constantly changing health status
- Blood transfusions
- Tube feeding
- Catheter and incontinence assistance
- Intramuscular shots and injections
- Lab and radiology services
- Physical therapy
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy
These are a few main reasons people may need skilled nursing care.
Types of Skilled Nursing Care
Each person requiring nursing care has a unique set of circumstances and needs. Some patients may need short-term care while others need minor long-term care at an independent living facility. Here’s a closer look at the different types of skilled nursing care options available today.
Long-Term & Short-Term Care
You can find skilled nursing care for both long and short-term needs.
Short-term care is temporary care offered to those who need assistance after an illness, accident, or surgery. Short-term care includes round-the-clock medical care along with speech, occupational, and physical therapies. The goal of this type of care is to get you back to your normal life quickly.
Long-term care is for those needing constant care for an extended period of time. Like short-term, the services provided include 24-hour medical care along with various types of therapies. You can find long-term skilled nursing care at nursing facilities, in-home, and senior assisted living homes.
A Skilled Nursing Facility
A skilled nursing facility, or nursing home, is most commonly associated with skilled nursing care. A skilled nursing facility provides a high level of medical and nursing care outside of a hospital. A nursing facility is often the next place many elderly patients will visit when released from the hospital.
Skilled nursing facilities are often short-term solutions and offer round-the-clock care by a registered nurse. They offer a variety of rehabilitation therapies to fit a patient’s unique needs.
Those needing to stay at a skilled nursing facility have experienced a stroke, heart attack, or another debilitating. While temporary, their condition requires constant supervision and rehabilitation. A skilled nursing facility offers more advanced medical services than a senior assisted living facility.
Most patients stay anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. Nursing facilities tend to have more of a hospital feel than a home feel. Those who are recovering from acute or complicated medical conditions will benefit the most from a skilled nursing facility.
At-Home Nursing Services
At-home skilled nursing services are perfect for those who need intermittent or part-time care from a licensed medical professional. Registered nurses and therapists can offer at-home care and rehabilitation.
The advantage of at-home skilled nursing care is the patient feels more comfortable in their own space. This type of care also takes the burden off of other family members who live with the patient.
The success of this type of care depends on the patient’s home setting and support system. Patients living alone may have a more challenging time completing rehabilitation exercises and caring for themselves.
Senior Assisted Living
Assisted living communities are great options for those needing skilled nursing care for any number of reasons. Senior assisted living facilities offer independent living options, skilled nursing care, 24-hour care, and therapy services. They’ll also assist patients with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and meal prep.
Assisted living facilities offer both long and short-term care depending on the patient’s needs. These facilities foster relationships among residents through socialization and peer support to improve healing and mental health.
Many residents who rehabilitate at an assisted living facility find they enjoy it and often will move there permanently. Senior assisted living facilities offer permanent and temporary residency based on the resident’s needs.
What Skilled Nursing Services Will You Find?
Most skilled nursing facilities and assisted living homes offer a range of services to meet every patient’s individualized needs. The common services and amenities most skilled nursing facilities offer include:
- Individualized care plans
- 24-hour care by a licensed professional
- Daily activities
- Family and resident meetings
- Emergency calling in every room
- Meals
- Housekeeping and cleaning
- Rehabilitation therapy
- Entertainment including activities, TVs, and wifi
- Private or shared rooms
Medical professionals such as nurses, dietitians, and therapists offer the best level of care and support you can find outside of a hospital.
Find the Right Care Today
Skilled nursing care is the perfect solution for anyone needing additional care whether it’s temporary or permanent. With the many types of nursing and personalized care available, you’re sure to receive the best skilled nursing care available. You or your loved one will get better fast and enjoy a better quality of life. https://www.byronbaycommunication.com/nos-clients/
Have questions or want to learn more about our services? Let’s get in touch and start planning your visit today!
