What Is Skilled Nursing?
When discussing options for senior care and senior living, many people use the terms “skilled nursing,” “assisted living” and “nursing home” interchangeably. However, these terms actually refer to very different living situations and categories of need.
A nursing home is a physical building where residents live and receive skilled nursing care and/or support with daily activities and health care. Assisted living is a term used to describe the type of care seniors receive when they do not require intense nursing or health care but do need assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs). Activities of daily living include things like bathing, dressing and getting out of bed in the morning.
So, what is skilled nursing care? How do you know which type of care is needed for a loved one? And when is the right time to make a change?
What is Skilled Nursing?
Skilled nursing care refers to a person’s need for care or treatment that can only be performed by licensed nurses. This type of care is generally provided in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living communities and other certified locations. Skilled nursing is generally regulated by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). In order to be certified by CMS, skilled nursing facilities, or SNFs, must meet strict criteria and are subject to inspections to ensure quality standards are being met. Skilled nursing communities also must have a transfer agreement with a hospital in case a resident requires emergency care.
Skilled nursing communities can offer a wide range of services and medical care, including:
- Physical therapy for seniors
- Occupational therapy
- Speech-language pathology
- Wound care
- Injections
- Intravenous (IV) therapy
- Monitoring of vital signs and medical equipment
At certified communities, the skilled nursing staff includes registered nurses, medical directors, audiologists, licensed practical nurses, licensed vocational nurses and speech-language pathologists. At skilled nursing communities, like Rosewood Nursing & Rehabilitation, residents and their families rely on a variety of services and amenities to support their healing journey. At Rosewood, skilled nursing services include:
- 24-hour nursing care
- On-site physician and nurse practitioner
- Medication management
- Diabetes management
- Pain management
- Restorative nursing
- Hospice care
- Respite care
- Neurological care
- Dementia management
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Post-surgical treatment
When is it Time for Skilled Nursing Care?
So, what makes skilled nursing care the right choice for some seniors? The answer comes down to the amount of care the person requires. Skilled nursing services provide the most complete levels of care available within a senior living community. If an older adult needs medical care for an injury or illness, along with assistance with daily activities, skilled nursing is an excellent option. Skilled nursing may also be right if the person needs around-the-clock nursing care and assistance with everyday tasks.
In some cases, seniors go to a skilled nursing facility following a hospital stay. Some of the most common medical issues that require skilled nursing follow-up care include:
- Wound care
- Stroke recovery
- Rehabilitation following an illness or surgery
- Serious memory issues
- Terminal illness
Skilled nursing facilities are commonly used for short-term rehabilitative stays, which are at least partially covered by Medicare for up to 100 days in many instances. Medicare does not pay for long-term or permanent stays in nursing homes.
About Rosewood Nursing & Rehabilitation
Rosewood Nursing & Rehabilitation is located in Lake Charles, La. Rosewood offers skilled nursing care, rehabilitation and respite stay. The culture at Rosewood is focused on each resident’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness. We are committed to ensuring all the services and amenities at Rosewood enhance the way residents interact, engage and relax. Our community was purposely designed to be a bright, inclusive environment with a team that is ready to support each resident on their unique journey. Residents are kept engaged throughout the day through meaningful programs and other proven techniques. Our goal is to create more rewarding days and uplift spirits.
- Three delicious restaurant-style meals plus snacks, served daily
- Social, educational and recreational activity programs
- On-site therapy services, including speech, occupational and physical therapy
- 24-hour staffing
- Scheduled courtesy transportation
- Beauty salon and barber
- Lounge area with big-screen TV
- Carefully manicured grounds
- Landscaped courtyard
- Fully equipped exercise room
- Activity center and game area
Interested in learning more about the services at Rosewood? Contact us today and set up a tour!