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December 19, 2022People often use the terms “nursing home”, “assisted living”, and “skilled nursing” interchangeably, but they are actually all different types of inpatient care facilities.
“Nursing home” refers to the physical establishment where residents live while receiving skilled nursing care or assisted living services.
“Assisted living” is for seniors who wish to age in place, but do not require 24/7 nursing care. These seniors often need help with their activities of daily living (ADL) that can include meditation management, bathing, dressing, getting in and out of bed, and housekeeping assistance.
“Skilled nursing” refers to patients who need around the clock medical care that can only be performed by licensed nurses. Skilled nursing care is typically provided in nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, and other certified locations. The U.S. Department of Health and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regulates skilled nursing care, and requires skilled nursing facilities to meet strict criteria in order to be certified by CMS. Skilled nursing facilities are subject to routine inspections to ensure the strict standards of CMS are being met.
Skilled Nursing vs. Nursing Home Care
Of the three terms mentioned above, these two are probably the ones most commonly confused with the other. A nursing home facility is typically the permanent, and final, residence for seniors in need of around the clock custodial care. Skilled nursing care, on the other hand, provides a temporary residence for patients who need medically-necessary rehabilitation treatment.
A skilled nursing facility is often the best place for a patient to recover after undergoing surgery or experiencing a serious accident or injury. It is a place to recover and rebuild strength safely before returning home to live independently.
Who is Skilled Nursing For?
Skilled nursing care is for those who require short term rehabilitative care after a hospital stay, or for patients who need longer-term care for a disease or condition that does not require the acute care provided in a hospital setting.
Patients who benefit from skilled nursing care include:
– Those recovering from a stroke
– Heart attack survivors
– Patients who have had surgery of extensive treatment for heart, respiratory, and kidney conditions
– Patients who have had joint replacement surgery, like a hip or knee replacement
– Someone who has been seriously injured as the result of a fall or accident
– Someone with an acute medical condition that doesn’t require hospitalization
– A patient in need of general wound care
– A patient in need of Parkinson’s disease care
– Terminal illness care in coordination with hospice
Rehabilitation services in a skilled nursing facility will vary by patient depending upon their physician prescribed treatment plan. There are, however, certain services that you can expect while recovering in a skilled nursing facility.
These services include:
– Physical therapy
After surgery, hospitalization, or illness, the skilled nursing care team will design a personalized plan for physical therapy services to help the patient regain optimal physical strength in a controlled and safe environment. The goal is to have the patient return home to as independent a life as possible.
– Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy helps patients adapt to physical and social environments after a stroke, serious illness, surgery, or accident. Specialized therapies include memory training, coordination exercises, and how to use tools for assistance with everyday needs, like bathing and getting dressed.
– Speech therapy
Speech and language pathologists create an individualized treatment plan to help with language ability and teach alternative communication strategies if necessary. For patients with swallowing dysfunction, appropriate diet recommendations are given
Other common services include:
– Meal preparation to ensure the patient is eating the appropriate foods while recovering
– Medication management to ensure the patient is taking prescribed medication properly
– Assistance with daily needs like bathing and dressing
– Mental health counseling
At Elderberry Healthcare, our goal is to maximize the potential of every resident through a holistic approach with attention to clinical, physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs. We seek the support of families and welcome their participation in all aspects of our residents’ lives. Elderberry Healthcare provides an atmosphere of respect, understanding and support for the diversity of culture and the acceptance of all people regardless of limitations. Elderberry Healthcare was established in 1989 to serve the needs of Madison County and the surrounding communities’ senior population. Many families in Madison County have experienced the compassionate care and attentiveness that our staff provides. We provide comprehensive services to those in need of assisted living, short-term rehabilitation, and extended nursing care stays. Contact us today to learn more.