When you are looking into your post-acute care options for a loved one, you’re likely to encounter terms you’ve never heard before or are not clear about what they entail; ‘skilled nursing’ may be one of these.
Keep reading, because we are going to break down the meaning of skilled nursing, including the different types, and how to know when it’s best to find a skilled nursing facility nearby.
Defining the term, ‘Skilled Nursing’
Skilled nursing is different from the terms commonly associated with ‘assisted living’ and ‘nursing home facilities. For example, skilled nursing care is a type of assisted living service for patients living in a nursing home. Since not all older adults require hour-by-hour medical oversight, assisted living helps older adults with daily tasks and activities.
On the other hand, skilled nursing is a type of care only performed by licensed nurses, not aides or anyone else. It refers to specialized, one-on-one treatment within an array of medical settings including hospitals, assisted living communities, nursing homes, and private in-home care.
Regulated mostly by the Federal Government, the U.S. Department of Health and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Strict regulations and regular inspections ensure certified skilled nursing facilities meet the highest standards of their certification.
Specific Types of Skilled Nursing Care
Licensed nurses provide skilled nursing services most often through physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
Physical therapy— Physical therapists assist patients recovering after an illness, surgery, or hospitalization. Working with a team of rehab specialists, physical therapists can help patients regain strength and mobility.
Occupational therapy— The role of an occupational therapist is to help patients adjust to their social and physical environments with fewer limitations in coordination and social abilities. Skilled nursing facilities have occupational therapists available to treat patients experiencing difficulty getting dressed, memorizing information, and other tasks and activities encountered every day.
Speech therapy— Speech therapists focus their care treatment around communication difficulties in patients. A plan is developed to help all forms of language and communication abilities, including alternative strategies, and even dietary recommendations.
Skilled nursing facilities offer a diverse range of specialized services that take into account the needs of each individual. The purpose of skilled nursing is to provide a goal-oriented plan of care that is regularly monitored for progress and adjusted accordingly.
Other types of skilled nursing care include:
- Wound care
- Intravenous (IV) therapy
- Injections
- Monitoring vital signs/medical equipment
When Should you Seek Help from a Skilled Nursing Facility?
There are many reasons you or a loved one might be referred to skilled nursing care. Most often, age is a factor that comes with increased limitations to our ability to perform daily tasks as before. Also, when experiencing a recent medical illness or injury, such as a heart attack, stroke, broken bone, etc.
Skilled nursing is highly beneficial for patients who receive the personalized care plan they need to monitor proper recovery. Anyone having speech issues, kidney problems, heart, or respiratory conditions may be referred to a skilled nursing facility.
Receiving specialized care is the best way to help your loved one recover and regain strength and mobility after an injury or illness.
South Coast Post Acute is Southern California’s Premier post-acute Partner
Better health and healing are possible with the right professional oversight. At South Coast Post Acute, we deliver specialized skilled nursing services to restore health, regain autonomy and reduce the occurrences of rehospitalization.
South Coast Post Acute is here for you, at any age. Our innovative care, experienced staff, and welcoming accommodations combine to bring you the high level of care you’ve come to expect from Southern California’s leading post-acute provider.
Contact us today for more information on how we can help on your journey back to restored health.