What Is Skilled Nursing Care?
Skilled nursing care provides the highest level of senior care possible outside of a hospital. Whether you or a loved one is recovering from a surgery, a severe illness, or in need of long-term personalized care, skilled nursing communities provide expert, 24/7 assistance from licensed nurses and medical staff.
According to AgingCare, skilled nursing care is regulated by the U.S. Department of Health and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). To be certified by CMS, skilled nursing communities must meet strict criteria and are subject to recurring inspections to ensure quality standards are being met. Medicare will pay for skilled nursing services if a physician prescribes certain therapies, medications, medical equipment and other specialty services, to help meet the senior’s health needs. To qualify, the patient must go to a Medicare-certified skilled nursing community.
Difference Between Assisted Living & Skilled Nursing
Assisted living is for aging adults who don’t need consistent comprehensive nursing care but may need help with activities of daily living (ADL). ADLs include assistance with eating, administering medications, hygiene, grooming and getting out of bed.
Skilled nursing care is for seniors who need care that can only be performed by licensed nurses. The length of time the services are needed varies based on the individual. According to Aging Care, services can be necessary over the short term for rehabilitation from an illness or injury, or they may be required over the long term for patients who need a high level of care on a frequent or daily basis due to a chronic medical condition. Skilled nursing care communities can offer a wide range of services and medical care, including:
- Various therapies like physical therapy, occupational therapy or intravenous (IV) therapy
- Stroke recovery
- Orthopedic care
- Cardiac care
- Wound care
- Speech-language pathology
Who is Right for Skilled Nursing?
Skilled nursing care communities provide the essential medical care, personal care and nutrition assistance to seniors with a staff that is available 24/7. Whether seniors are recovering from an illness, receiving rehabilitation from a surgery or require continuous care, they can find comfort at a skilled nursing community knowing they will be taken of. Often, residents in skilled nursing require specific comprehensive care that goes above and beyond what can be provided in an assisted living or memory care community.
An example of a skilled nursing resident:
- Recovering from surgery or illness
- Living with a complex, chronic condition
- Requires comprehensive therapy
- Nutritional needs require medical staff oversight
Tutera Is Here to Help
Sometimes, a few days at the hospital isn’t enough time to recover. If your loved one needs extra time and assistance, a doctor or hospital may refer them to a skilled nursing community.
At Tutera, our skilled nursing communities provide expert healthcare services, such as physical and occupational therapies, in a supportive environment. Our skilled nursing team provides 24/7 licensed nursing care seven days a week. We’re here to help throughout your loved one’s journey to recovery, whether during a long-term stay or short-term rehabilitation.
We believe in transparency and being upfront with families and seniors about the level of care required and the limitations. We’re skilled at assessing a senior’s health care needs and determining the best accommodations for them. Contact us today at 877-988-8372. We can assist in helping you find the right care for your loved one.