Often times, adult children are a bit confused on the terminology on senior care. Why, you may ask? Life is busy, and we are experiencing the issue of aging parents for the first time. 

What is Skilled Nursing Care?

Typically a skilled nursing care facility has at least one licensed nurse and doctor to provide 24/7 care. With a larger facility, they would have many more. Furthermore, this type of facility has a place to store and a process to dispense medications to patients or residents. The staff at these facilities assist the residents with personal hygiene and proper nutrition as well.

Many patients go to a skilled nursing facility after a hospital stay for an injury, surgical procedure or illness. This is typically to help them heal and recover from the procedure so they can then go back home. Most often these facilities meet the Medicaid or Medicare requirements for the patient to take advantage of the reimbursements.

What Can You Expect from a Skilled Care Nursing Facility?

As mentioned before, you should expect basic nursing care; however, many facilities offer therapy as well. They can offer physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to help residents who many need it to aid them in recovery. Many not only offer therapy, but also specialized care for patients that need assistance with recovery from conditions like stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and wound care to name a few. The benefit of skilled nursing care is that it provides the patient or resident transitional care to heal and improve enough to go home.

Medicare usually will pay for skilled nursing care and help patients meet their health goals. The condition in which a senior enters a skilled nursing facility may affect whether Medicare will pay for the skilled nursing costs. However, most times it covers the cost of the nursing care, meals, medication, and medical social services. It is best to check your benefits to see if your skilled nursing care needs are covered.

Skilled nursing care is not meant to be palliative care, hospice services or long term care. However, skilled nursing care can offer 24/7 nursing care to help your loved one get better from an illness or injury. A skilled nursing facility can also offer physical activity, socialization, and nursing care that helps your loved one heal.

3 Considerations when Choosing a Skilled Nursing Care Facility

1. Do Research–Don’t select a facility just based on location. You need to do a little homework on location, licensing, Medicare/Medicaid certification, insurance plans accepted, cost and so forth. If you need skilled care time to check all the details. Don’t be afraid to ask questions that relate to your loved one’s health and safety.
2. Schedule a Tour–Learn about staff and policies and procedures. Schedule a tour and then as you narrow your choices, go on an unscheduled tour to see what happens when they are not expecting a new resident potential. You can learn a lot about a place when they are not shined up and ready for you. Take a look for yourself on what they really do day to day with care for your loved one.
3. Check Out Referrals or Testimonials–Nothing tells you more about a facility than past patients or their adult children. Ask for referrals when you are seeking skilled nursing care for your parents or loved one. Ask specific questions that can help you determine the best place for the best care.

 

Looking for more assistance on the best plans in caring for you senior loved one? Contact us at Senior Living Options today today and we will help you get the best plan for your loved one. Ask for Ann and she will help you with your aging loved ones.