What to Ask When Choosing a Skilled Nursing Provider
Looking for support to recover from a hospital stay or manage health challenges? Skilled nursing and rehabilitation services provide dedicated 24/7 care and support. But what exactly can you expect from skilled nursing, and what should you look for when choosing a provider for yourself or a loved one?
When evaluating your options, understanding the services, environment, and personalized approach of a community is key.
What is Skilled Nursing
Skilled nursing is a level of medical care that requires the expertise of licensed nurses, therapists, and healthcare professionals. It’s often for individuals recovering from a hospital stay, managing a chronic condition, or needing assistance with daily medical tasks.
What to Expect from Skilled Nursing
Skilled nursing provides a higher level of medical care than traditional assisted living. Here’s what services to look for in skilled nursing:
- 24/7 Medical Care- Skilled nursing offers round-the-clock access to licensed nurses who can monitor health, administer medication, and respond to any medical needs.
What to ask: What is the staff-to-resident ratio? What certifications are required of your nurses? This will give an understanding of the level of personalized care provided.
- Rehabilitation Services: Therapy services in skilled nursing help seniors regain strength, mobility, and independence.
What to ask: Do you offer on-site physical, occupational, and speech therapy? This will give an idea of what care is easily accessible.
- Specialized Treatments: Wound care, IV therapy, and medication management are examples of custom care services to look for in skilled nursing.
What to ask: What specialized services do you provide for post-surgical recovery, chronic conditions, or infections?
- Pain Management: A professional team will help to manage chronic or acute pain to improve comfort and quality of life.
What to ask: How do you build custom care plans? This will give an understanding of how care is managed.
- Holistic Support: Care plans should go beyond medical needs to include nutritional counseling, social activities, and emotional support.
What to ask: Can you share an example menu and social calendar? This will give an idea of what the community lifestyle is like.
Is Skilled Nursing the Right Option?
Deciding on the right level of care can be a difficult decision. Here are some indicators that skilled nursing may be a beneficial option:
- Post-Hospital Recovery: Skilled nursing can help individuals recover after a surgery, illness, or injury.
- Managing Complex Conditions: Skilled nursing can be good for individuals with chronic illnesses that require regular medical monitoring or treatments.
- Advanced Care Needs: When daily needs go beyond what can be safely managed at home or in an assisted living environment, skilled nursing can be helpful.
Next Steps
At Friendship Village, our skilled nursing program is designed to provide compassionate, holistic care. Our dedicated team delivers 24/7 medical support, rehabilitation, and a variety of enriching activities.
Understanding options is the first step toward a secure and confident future. Learn more about the comprehensive care available at Friendship Village.