Many aging adults need care outside of their homes. A skilled nursing facility (SNF) is a medically complex care community that can provide various services and treatments to support patients’ rehabilitation and recovery goals.
Medicare and Medicaid both cover short-term stays in an SNF. However, the specifics of coverage vary by state.
Medications
In addition to providing skilled nursing care, some skilled nursing facility, Winter Park, FL, also administer medications. Depending on your situation, you may benefit from having a team of nurses who can monitor your daily medication intake, especially if you struggle to manage a chronic health condition.
Skilled nursing facilities can provide 24/7 medical care to seniors who require a higher level of support than in a hospital or at home. SNFs can help you or your loved one transition from a hospital to more permanent options, such as an assisted living community or independent nursing facility. They are often used for short-term care, but long-term nursing home stays are also possible.
Meals
Many long-term care homes have a structured daily routine that includes mealtimes. These routines often involve set timings, predetermined menus, and designated resident seating. Staff and residents rely on these structures to legitimize and create structure, normality, and social rituals in their day.
Providing a person-centered approach to meals in long-term care is challenging when it coincides with other care needs, such as medication rounds. However, our research at each site demonstrated moments of person-centered care (PCC) during mealtimes, for example, staff knowing a resident’s preferences, such as whether they like their tea milky or not and who they prefer to sit with, as shown in the UK and Dutch sites.
Skilled nursing facilities differ from hospitals in that they are typically more home-like, have a lower staff-to-patient ratio, and offer services such as occupational therapy. They also give patients access to a physician who oversees their medical care and can transfer them back to a hospital if necessary.
Socialization
A skilled nursing facility can offer many seniors a safe and comfortable environment. These care communities are licensed healthcare residences that provide 24-hour medical care on-site. Patients receive physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and more to help them regain their independence.
These services are performed by registered nurses with a license to provide skilled nursing care and write care plans for their patients. They may perform wound care, administer injections, check blood sugar levels, and monitor vital signs.
Additionally, various social activities help residents engage with others and explore their interests. For example, many LTC homes now have pet therapy programs that allow residents to interact with cats, dogs, and rabbits. These animals can improve appetite, promote movement, and reduce stress levels.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is an integral part of the care provided in a skilled nursing facility. Seniors often lose mobility due to conditions such as arthritis, and helping them regain mobility will increase their quality of life.
SNFs are typically located in a residential setting and have trained professionals, including nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and speech pathologists. In addition, they follow federal regulations to ensure a high standard of care.
Residents in an SNF are usually admitted from a hospital and stay short-term. The length of their stay will depend on their condition and whether they can return home. Medicare covers up to 100 days in an SNF; any stays after that will require out-of-pocket costs. However, many private insurance plans also cover SNF stays.
Respite Care
Caregivers can keep their loved ones safe, healthy, and happy by using respite care services. These services can be used regularly or as needed to give caregivers a break from their caregiving duties.
A skilled nursing facility is a rehabilitative center for patients requiring 24-hour medical care and rehabilitation services after a hospital stay. They are staffed with nurses and certified nursing assistants trained to provide patients with physical, speech, and occupational therapy and other services needed to live as independently as possible.
Many people mistakenly assume that skilled nursing facilities are the same as nursing homes, but there are differences in the level of care offered. Understanding these differences can help families make the right choice for their loved ones.