When patients leave the hospital after an illness, injury, or surgery, they may want to return home as soon as possible. But, in many cases, a skilled nursing facility is the better choice. Skilled nursing services provide care that can help patients recover in the best environment possible.
As we explore the many services skilled nursing facilities can offer, we’ll examine the benefits and how Encore Communities can provide the care you or your loved one needs.
Services Skilled Nursing Facilities Can Provide
Skilled nursing facilities are staffed with trained medical professionals to provide several medically necessary services to patients who are not quite ready to go home after a hospitalization [1]. They provide 24-hour care for various healthcare needs and activities of daily living.
Sometimes, these services are only needed briefly following an illness or injury. Other times, they are required for extended periods due to different circumstances.
Some of the types of skilled nursing services provided include:
- Wound Care
- Injections and IV therapy
- Catheter Care
- Monitoring Vital Signs
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech Therapy
A physician typically determines the type of skilled nursing care a patient needs to recover. This can be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance.
Benefits of Skilled Nursing Facilities
Many doctors choose skilled nursing services because of the many benefits patients can receive from this type of care.
Reduced Risk of Hospitalization
Skilled nursing facilities strive to help patients become stronger and more independent. As this happens, they can reduce their risk of falling and succumbing to other injuries that can land them back in the hospital.
Patients receiving skilled nursing services are monitored 24/7. A problem can be addressed immediately rather than festering, leading to more dangerous health issues.
Peace of Mind to Loved Ones
Families can have peace of mind when their loved ones receive specialized nursing care. They don’t have to worry about their loved ones being alone and the risk of getting hurt. Knowing they are being well cared for is a comfort whether families are nearby or thousands of miles away.
Specialized Therapy
Once a physician recommends a care plan, patients receive specialized therapy to help get them back on their feet. This specialized therapy can be in the form of physical, speech, or occupational therapy. There are many times when patients receive all three types of therapies to produce the best outcomes.
Around-the-Clock Care
Skilled nursing services include around-the-clock care for their patients. This level of care is sometimes needed, especially for patients recovering from a surgery or injury that has compromised their mobility. This care can reduce the risk of further injuries and provide life-saving benefits.
Safe Environment
When patients are discharged from the hospital, they may still need access to safety features as they continue their recovery. Skilled nursing communities provide these features to minimize fall risk and make bathrooms and kitchens more accessible.
Medication Management
Another benefit of skilled nursing services is the medication management that team members provide. They will ensure patients receive the proper medications and doses at the right time. They can also train patients and family members to use specific medical equipment they may need once they get home. This provides plenty of time to ask questions and become comfortable using these items before returning home.
Improved Quality of Life
Patients can suffer from a decreased quality of life following an illness, surgery, or injury. By receiving skilled nursing services, they regain much of their independence, thus improving their quality of life. Patients can learn about the modifications they receive for areas that cannot be improved to have the best quality of life possible.
Are You Looking for a Skilled Nursing Facility? Encore Communities Can Help
Encore Communities offers the skilled nursing services your loved one needs to recover in a safe environment. At our Northwoods Lodge property in Silverdale, WA, we provide the care and support to get them back on their feet and regain their independence before returning home. We also offer outpatient therapy if needed once your loved one leaves our facility. For more information on Encore Communities’ skilled nursing services, call us today or message us online.
Sources:
[1] https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/skilled-nursing-facility.asp
Dan is Vice President, Marketing of the Alumus family of companies. A Seattle native, he earned his BA in Humanities and Political Science at Evergreen State College. He started his career as a newspaper columnist, eventually transitioning into marketing and tech writing for Microsoft and several other startups. He later launched a successful creative agency focused on branding, digital marketing, and content production in Los Angeles, where he worked for several nursing and behavioral health clients, eventually becoming the National Marketing Director for one of them.
He has taught Vipassana mindfulness meditation and MBSR and spends whatever free time he has with his son snowboarding, hiking, and camping in the mountains.