The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that it expects the nursing care market in the United States to grow significantly through the year 2025. The WHO credits this rise to an increase in chronic disorders and seniors living more unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles. Diagnoses of chronic diseases are also likely to continue to increase.
As the population of seniors in the U.S. also rises at a rapid rate, the expected demand for nursing services has evolved into a serious conversation among loved ones with seniors in need of care. If you are exploring options to keep your loved one active, healthy and safe, it is important to understand the options and resources available to you.
Sub Acute Rehab vs Skilled Nursing Facility
It is common for family and friends to find the information confusing when exploring care options for a senior loved one. One of the most common areas of confusion arises when discussing the differences between and/or benefits of an inpatient skilled nursing facility versus a rehabilitation facility. In general, rehab facilities provide inpatient rehabilitation care for a short-term stay, while skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) serve individuals who require a higher level of medical care than what is typically offered in a nursing home. Here is a little more detail on the two types of care communities:
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)
The term “skilled nursing” refers to a level of care that must be provided by trained medical professionals, such as speech, physical and/or occupational therapists or registered nurses. While skilled nursing may be offered in a variety of settings, within a skilled nursing facility, a licensed physician supervises each patient’s care plan. The services of an inpatient skilled nursing facility may be needed in the short-term following an injury or illness or may be required over the long-term for chronically ill patients.
Rehabilitation Facility
Some people require short-term rehab following a hospital stay, surgery, an accident or an illness that hinders the person’s ability to handle daily tasks. These facilities are designed to provide long-term care, and patients often return home with in-home assistance or go to a nursing home following their rehab stay. Rehabilitation communities are certified and regulated by the federal and state governments. The staff of a rehab facility generally includes vocational nurses, physical therapists, registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.
Tutera communities like Hamilton Memorial or Highland Rehabilitation & Health Care Center are designed to meet the needs of patients who need rehabilitation as well as skilled nursing care. With a focus on holistic care, proper nutrition, individualized medical care and building strength, the teams at our communities have expertise in helping patients return to the lives they love.
The Benefits of an Inpatient Skilled Nursing Facility
If you have a loved one in an inpatient skilled nursing facility, there are many aspects of the care your loved one will receive that can give you peace of mind. Some of these benefits include:
- Physical, Speech and Occupational Therapy. These services are critical in helping patients to overcome setbacks after a surgery or an illness. Therapies help patients to regain strength lost and relearn skills that may have been impacted.
- Medication Management. A skilled nursing facility will track each resident’s medication and ensure the dosage and distribution of medication is safe and beneficial.
- Social and Spiritual Support. Social activities and support provide an outlet for seniors on a path to recovery and independence. An illness or an injury may make it impossible for some patients to participate in activities they enjoy. Having a social network to support those feelings of frustration and to provide hope and encouragement during healing is a major part of achieving success.
- Focus on Diet and Nutrition. Eating a healthy diet is important at every age, but it is an especially critical aspect of recovery for seniors. The right diet can help patients to regain strength, improve sleep and control caloric requirements.
Finding Support and Success
At Tutera Senior Living & Health Care, our skilled nursing services are specifically designed to help you find comfort and success and to meet your health goals. Under the guidance and support of clinical experts, you have access to:
- Respite care
- Infectious disease care
- IV therapy
- Advanced wound care
- Physical, speech and occupational therapy
- Extensive rehabilitation
- 24-hour skilled nursing care
- Total parenteral nutrition
- Community re-entry program
- Hospice care
- Pain management
- Infectious disease care
- Restorative nursing
- Dementia management
- Tracheostomy care
- Peritoneal dialysis
- Outpatient therapy clinic
- Neurological care
Contact us today to learn more about our care and services near you and how we can support your loved one on their path to recovery.
