Whether your loved one’s condition requires skilled nursing care after surgery or an unexpected change in health, the choice of where to receive treatment can seem overwhelming. The following five key factors can help you make the right decision.
A certified SNF is rated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Carefully review ratings, especially those that address staffing ratios, health inspections, and quality measures.
Reputation
The reputation of a nursing home can tell you a lot about its quality of care. A nursing home with a good reputation may need help hiring the best nurses who can make or break a patient’s experience. It may also have a harder time getting patients through the door, leading to longer stays and more out-of-pocket costs.
A skilled nursing home facility Missouri is a medically supervised setting that offers long-term care for people who require 24-hour healthcare and can’t live safely at home. Typically, a hospital will discharge someone to an SNF after a brief hospital stay, and Medicare or private insurance will pay for their stay. The facility can be an independent living residence, a nursing home, a Continuing Care Retirement Community, or another certified location.
Staff
A good skilled nursing facility will have enough staff. This includes doctors, physical therapists, and nurses. It also includes other healthcare professionals such as pharmacists and nutritionists.
Unlike hospitals focused on medical care, SNFs have many different types of healthcare specialists. This allows the nursing staff to provide a more holistic examination.
SNFs offer various services and treatments, including wound care, intravenous therapy, injections, medication management, speech and language pathology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and more. Medicare, Medicaid, and private long-term care insurance typically cover them.
When hospital patients receive a discharge plan, it usually includes a short-term stay at an SNF. However, the decision-making process is often rushed, and families cannot thoroughly research SNF options.
Environment
The environment at a skilled nursing facility plays a large role in how patients are treated and how well they recover. This is why it is important to choose a facility that is clean and comfortable. It is also important to find a facility that is close to home or family.
A skilled nursing facility is where patients can receive 24-hour medical care and rehabilitation services from trained professionals. They can be short-term stays after a hospital stay or long-term care for people who need assistance with their daily activities due to illness or injury. SNFs are usually the highest level of care outside of a hospital and can be paid for through Medicare, private pay, or long-term care insurance.
Activities
A skilled nursing facility (SNF) provides short-term care for seniors who cannot safely return home after a hospital stay. Its residents often need help with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and cooking. They may also require medical assistance and therapy services.
The government typically covers skilled nursing care for people enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. The facility must meet specific federal guidelines and undergo periodic inspections.
SNFs differ from hospitals because they are more homelike and offer a lower staff-to-patient ratio. They also offer more social activities, like group therapy sessions. During a visit, Fukushima suggests checking out the SNF’s calendar of activities and observing staff and resident interaction during scheduled events. This is important to see if your loved one will enjoy the experience.
Food
Food has an intangible impact on a senior’s quality of life. It’s not just about the taste; it’s also about the feeling of choice and control over what they eat.
According to CMS regulations, nursing homes must provide at least three meals a day and consider residents’ dietary and nutritional needs. They must also use proper food temperature controls to prevent contamination with dangerous pathogens.
However, some facilities are going further with their food service and introducing a more homelike approach to dining that considers each resident’s preferences. This includes offering a menu selection, allowing residents to eat where they want and with whom, and serving snacks!
