Skilled nursing facilities provide specialized care for seniors recovering from severe illness or injuries after hospital treatment. Rather than return home, seniors can enter a skilled nursing facility to access 24/7 care and assisted living support from medical specialists such as registered nurses, doctors, nutritionists, and rehabilitation therapists. This post highlights the key benefits offered by skilled nursing.
Reduced Chances of Re-hospitalization
One of the most significant concerns for hospitalized seniors and their families is the risk of re-hospitalization after discharge. The home environment may not provide access to medical specialists and equipment needed to make a full and speedy recovery. Yet, senior patients may not wish to spend more time in a hospital. Thus, a skilled nursing facility provides a comfortable environment where senior patients regain their independence through medical rehabilitation. The facilities offer ongoing medical monitoring and management, including wound care, injections, and medication. This way, seniors can recover from their illness and injuries and stay out of the hospital.
Access to Professional Therapy
Skilled nursing facilities provide specialized therapy services. Usually, patients can receive up to five days of therapy every week. Such intensive treatment reduces the risk of re-hospitalization while enhancing the recovery speed. Therapists use one or more therapies to rehabilitate patients to their independent lifestyle.
You can expect the following types of therapies at a skilled nursing facility:
- Physical therapy to improve mobility
- Occupational therapy to regain and retain independence in daily activities
- Speech therapy for communication and speech disorders
- Memory therapy to enhance cognitive abilities
Social Benefits
Dealing with severe illness and injuries can be a source of stress. Thus, the last thing you want after hospitalization is isolation. The patients at a skilled nursing facility are surrounded by caring caregivers and other residents. In addition, family and friends are free to visit their loved ones. Moral support has positive outcomes on mental wellness. The residents can participate in fun social activities based on their physical abilities. Such activities may include physical exercises, yoga, music, and art therapy to improve physical and mental health.
Assisted Living Support
Skilled nursing facilities offer around-the-clock care to residents that require assisted living support. The facilities have nurses and nursing assistants assigned to provide personalized care. Usually, the caregivers assist the residents with personal care activities like bathing, dressing, hairdressing, brushing, and toilet use. With such care, the residents can live a dignified life while reducing physical strain. Also, ongoing monitoring reduces the risk of fall accidents and guarantees assistance in case of medical emergencies. Also, the facilities have dining services that prepare and offer diets meeting the nutritional needs of the patients.
Health Insurance Coverage
Medicare Part A provides coverage for up to 100 days of rehabilitative care in a skilled nursing facility. However, extended stays may require co-insurance payment. Typically, you must have stayed in a hospital for at least three consecutive treatment days to qualify. Besides, you should have a referral for skilled nursing care or therapy from your doctor.
Skilled nursing provides a homelike recovery environment with physical, mental, and social benefits. Contact professional skilled nursing facility for a comprehensive patient assessment and care plan.
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