Skilled nursing care provides specialized care for individuals with complex medical needs. Unlike independent, assisted, or memory care, where older adults require daily assistance and care, this lifestyle option offers hospital-like comprehensive care to those recovering specifically from surgery, illness, and injury.
Skilled Nursing Care
A home or hospital might not be the only option when looking for care for a loved one. This is where our skilled nursing care lifestyle option comes in.
Skilled nursing care caters to individuals with significant medical needs that can’t adequately be met at home using modern technology and tools. It’s often necessary for people recovering from surgery, managing chronic illnesses, or experiencing severe functional impairments from injury.
Skilled nursing care in senior living communities employ trained healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and therapists, experienced and equipped to handle complex medical conditions. They can treat, manage, observe, and evaluate these conditions and provide personalized care.
You may qualify for skilled nursing care if:
- You require special care for an illness, injury, or surgery
- You require short or long-term care while recovering
- You require around-the-clock care and support
- You recently had a heart attack or stroke
- You require specialized therapy
Skilled nursing facilities have the resources and expertise to provide physical, occupational, and speech therapy services, helping individuals regain or improve their functional abilities. Apart from the above and in addition to recovery, skilled nursing also offers other services that support healing and rehabilitation, such as:
- Pain management
- Wound care
- Continence management
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Comprehensive cognitive therapy
- Cardiac care
- Pulmonary care
- Neurological care
- Orthopedic care
- Dining program with special diet accommodations
- Intravenous therapy or medication
- Tube feedings
- Integrative therapies like music therapy, guided imagery, essential oils, massage, and energy-based healing
- On-site chaplain and spiritual services
- Discharge planning
- Memory support
If a loved one in skilled nursing requires memory care for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, dementia-certified staff can provide care by meeting their daily living needs. Services can include health and wellness programs, regular physician visits, 24/7 staff, and daily wellness checks.
Living in Skilled Nursing Care
Skilled nursing in senior living communities can offer the following apartment amenities:
- Private rooms
- All utilities, including TV
- Controlled heat and air conditioning
- Emergency response system and team
- Custom blinds
Skilled Nursing & Assisted Living
It’s important to note that skilled nursing care is not for individuals who primarily require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and does not involve substantial medical needs. Assisted living includes help with bathing, dressing, toileting, and eating.
Assisted living is for anyone who wants to maintain as much independence as possible while needing help with daily struggles. Residents in assisted living:
- Want to be a part of a community
- Need care that exceeds a caregiver’s experience
- Need help to manage a health condition
- Need help managing medications
Benefits of Skilled Nursing Care
There are numerous benefits of skilled nursing care that enhance a loved one’s overall health and quality of life, including:
- Comprehensive and specialized medical care: Skilled nursing care provides access to a team of trained healthcare professionals who can administer medications, provide wound care, monitor vital signs, and manage chronic illnesses effectively.
- Round-the-clock supervision: Skilled nursing care offers 24/7 monitoring so that individuals receive prompt medical attention and assistance whenever needed. This constant care helps prevent complications.
- Rehabilitation and therapy services: Skilled nursing care offers rehabilitation services to help individuals regain or improve mobility and strength, enhancing overall independence and quality of life.
- Personalized care: Skilled nursing care develops individualized care based on the specific needs and goals of each resident’s medical condition, functional ability, and personal preferences.
- Nutritious meals and dietary management: Skilled nursing care provides a balanced meal plan according to individual requirements.
- Peace of mind for families: Skilled nursing care can reassure families of loved ones by decreasing their risk of rehospitalization.
- Transitional care and support: Skilled nursing care can be crucial for transitioning from hospital to home, whether the stay is short or long-term. It provides a structured environment where individuals can receive the necessary care, rehabilitation, and support before returning to their homes or transitioning to a lower level of care.
- Access to specialized equipment and resources: Skilled nursing care uses modern technology and tools for managing complex medical conditions to support their health and well-being.
- Collaboration with healthcare teams: Skilled nursing care provides a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare providers.
Rest, Recover, Recuperate
Skilled nursing care is a valuable resource for individuals with complex medical needs who require round-the-clock supervision and specialized care. Qualifying for skilled nursing care involves demonstrating the medical necessity for its services.
Whether it’s for post-surgical recovery, managing chronic conditions, or addressing functional impairments, skilled nursing care can provide the necessary support and assistance to promote a loved one’s overall well-being and enhance their quality of life.If you’re interested in Round Lake Senior Living’s modern care approach to recovery, schedule a tour today to learn more.
