 Skilled Nursing Facilities Skilled Nursing DefinedSkilled Nursing Facilities may be freestanding, or part of a seniors community offering any or all of the following:
The type of care that may be administered ONLY BY A NURSING HOME in
your state, is defined by state regulations. Generally "medical proceedures"
and assistive acts requiring a nurse to physically "handle" a patient are
limited to nursing home providers, when not in a hospital. Changing bandages
deep wounds
is often only permitted in Nursing Homes as is turning a patient in
bed, who cannot turn themselves. To learn where the line between a Nursing Home
and Assisted Living is drawn in your state, see regulations in your state at
seniorresource.com state
resources. Also speak with the discharge planner at the hospital
because they deal with the fine line between levels of care needed on a regular
basis. They will know if a patient needs a Nursing Home, or can receive the
care they require in Assisted Living.
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What to Look For In a Skilled Nursing FacilityWhen difficult situations arise families may need to turn to social workers, case workers, hospital discharge planners, and yes, the internet to help them become educated about the options appropriate for their loved one. They may also need guidance to identify specific choices in their area. Unfortunately, choices for selecting a nursing home are often made in haste and under stressful situations. Don't just accept the recommedation of a professional. They may mean well and understand the level of care needed, but do not know your family, or your family member. They will know which homes will take Medicare, Medicaid, and which ones only take private pay patients. But must be comfortable with the care that will be, or is being provided for your loved one. So plan to do some of your own Nursing Home shopping. Ask around. Plan to visit and see how different homes "feel", "smell" and look for those who have happier residents. Follow the guidelines below to help you shop. Try to start shopping as soon as it seems you may need to place a loved one in a nursing home. That way you will be less stressed when you have to make the decision. If you make it in haste, it is possible to have to remake the decision later and relocate a loved one. If the first placement is hard, the second one is harder!
There is no substitue for visiting the home in person! Federal regulations require any long-term care home or facility to provide 30 days written notice and an appropriate discharge plan if they determine a patient is inapporpriateto remain with them. They may not just tell you verbally "you have to relocate a loved one"! Your Nursing Home Check List
After placing someone in a nursing home, remember "the squeaky wheel gets the oil". By trying to be an ally of the staff, advocate for the needs of your loved one. Show up often, not necessarily on "schedule". Catch staff unexpectedly - hopefully doing their job well. Remember the cute sweet girl in grammar school who was always teachers pet? Well it works the same when we are elderly - the sweet, charming patients are better candidates to be well liked by staff.
Additional ResourcesMedical Informational Record Services
Other Resources
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