Skilled nursing facilities provide long-term care to patients who need medical services. Their major services include inpatient rehabilitation, occupational therapy, audiology and pathology, and medical treatment by trained professional personnel.
A skilled nursing facility provides round-the-clock assistance and follows federal regulations. Patients receiving treatment receive a health assessment to evaluate their mental and physical health and their ability to go through activities of daily living independently.
What is skilled nursing?
Skilled nursing is a specialty within the healthcare industry that focuses on providing a high level of care to individuals who cannot take care of themselves. This includes people who have experienced an injury or illness which prevents them from being able to function independently or safely.
Patients in skilled nursing facilities receive more extensive skilled rehabilitation services than short-term nursing care. These services include giving medication, physical therapy, skilled nursing care, and other assistance unavailable in an acute-care setting like an emergency room or hospital.
When is skilled nursing required?
Skilled nursing is a standard option for patients who need more care than they can get from family members or home health care. It’s also an option for patients who require more monitoring or assistance than is possible in a hospital setting.
Adults may need skilled nursing care if they have chronic illnesses or injuries that make it challenging to take care of themselves or themselves. An adult with chronic lung disease or cystic fibrosis might need help breathing through a ventilator until their condition improves enough to live on their own again without assistance from a machine. As people age, they may require skilled nursing care to keep them safe and healthy. People who may have trouble walking and have challenges performing simple tasks like caring for themselves are good candidates for skilled nursing care.
Skilled nursing care options
Here are a few available options for patients in need of skilled nursing care:
Home Care
Home care is a non-medical service that assists the patient in their home. It can range from providing meals and medications to helping with bathing, toileting, and other routine tasks. Several agencies, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies, can provide home health aides.
Skilled Nursing Facility
Skilled nursing facilities have highly skilled nursing staff who provide medical support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They have specialized medical equipment such as wheelchairs and beds available for use by the patient. The facility also has nurses who monitor the patient’s progress and adjust as needed. Nursing homes are often affiliated with hospitals or other medical facilities where patients may receive additional treatment if required.
Intermediate Care Facility
Intermediate care facilities are similar to skilled nursing facilities but do not provide 24-hour nursing services or advanced medical care like a hospital. They offer around-the-clock supervision by a physician and a registered nurse instead of only visiting patients at certain times during the day or after hours.
Assisted Living
Assisted living is a type of long-term care that allows you to continue your daily activities while receiving skilled nursing care. While you may be able to live independently, assisted living facilities provide 24-hour supervision and help with everyday tasks like meal preparation and personal hygiene. Although some people prefer to live in an assisted living facility, others prefer to move into a memory care facility or nursing home.
Types of Skilled Nursing services
Home Health caregivers take a proactive approach to care, especially in the case of a critical incident. Skilled nurses and technicians are there to assist with daily activities, including bathing and dressing, communicating with your loved one, and even eating meals. Their services include:
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy is an approach to helping people with disabilities and other health conditions to live more independently. Occupational therapists help their clients improve their daily living skills, such as dressing, bathing, cooking, and communicating.
Speech therapy
Speech therapists help people with speech problems or swallowing or breathing problems. They teach individuals how to improve their communication skills through speech-related activities appropriate for their age and developmental level. Speech therapy can also be used to help improve a person’s cognitive abilities by teaching them new ways to communicate effectively.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists work with injured or ill patients. The primary purpose of physical therapy is to restore the normal functioning of the body through exercise and rehabilitation. Physical therapists use specialized equipment to help patients regain strength and mobility after injury or illness has affected them.
Helpful tips for finding suitable skilled nursing facilities
Below are some essential tips on how to find the right skilled nursing home:
- Talk to other residents and their families who have already stayed at the facility. You can ask them about their experience with this particular facility or any other facilities they have visited while looking for a place to live.
- Look at pictures of previous residents in the area and make sure they look happy and healthy.
- Ask if there are technical or professional personnel that would be able to assist with your loved one’s care during their stay at the facility.
- Check out how many people live at this particular nursing home, how many rooms there are available for you and your loved one, and what type of care services each room provides, such as therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy.
Loved One Needs Care? Visit Our 24-Hour Skilled Nursing Facility
It’s easy to get overwhelmed thinking about a loved one’s care. At StoneBridge Senior Living, we want you to feel comfortable with your decision. We offer personalized care and extraordinary amenities designed to meet your family’s needs and make each day more enjoyable.
If you are looking for a place in De Soto, MO, where you can feel safe knowing that your family member or friend is receiving the best care, look no further than StoneBridge Senior Living! Our facility is designed with modern amenities and features to ensure that our residents receive the highest standard of care. Please call us today on 855.308.3781