Skilled nursing care is medical care or treatment provided by a licensed nurse under a doctor’s supervision. The type of care can be delivered in a traditional hospital setting, assisted living community or skilled nursing facility (SNF).
Since many people are most comfortable at home, receiving skilled nursing care at home can be a great alternative, especially when dealing with chronic and terminal illnesses.
Whether using in-home skilled nursing care or an SNF, skilled nursing can support transitional care. The goal is for you or your loved one to get well and get back to living life. Skilled nursing care can have a significant impact on your comfort as you recover. Let’s look at the qualifications, services and costs for skilled nursing.
What Qualifies a Patient for Skilled Nursing Care?
To qualify for skilled nursing care, patients receive an order from their doctor. Patients will receive care from a licensed qualified in-home skilled nursing agency or a skilled nursing facility.
Skilled nursing care is needed when rehabilitative or medical care requires a licensed nurse to perform specific tasks. Skilled nursing typically includes disease management, medication management, G-tube feedings, wound care, IV therapies, monitoring of vital signs, physical therapy and much more. Care can be short-term or long, for those with acute, or chronic conditions.
Types of Skilled Nursing Services
Skilled nursing services aid a patient’s recovery, improve quality of life and support an independent way of living. After a hospital visit following an injury, accident or surgery, skilled nursing care helps clients get back on their feet safely.
Skilled nursing services can include infusion therapy, nutritional therapy, maintenance of catheters, epidural mediports, cardiac and post-stroke recovery, rehabilitation care (physical, occupational and speech therapy) and other needed services.
What is a Skilled Nursing Facility?
A skilled nursing facility (SNF) is a rehabilitative and medical treatment center with round-the-clock care for transitional, short-term or long-term stays. Since these facilities are open 24 hours a day, family members can have peace of mind that their loved one won’t be alone when facing health challenges or recovering from an injury or medical procedure.
What is Skilled Nursing Care at Home?
Skilled nursing brings specialized treatments and therapies to you in the comfort of your home, performed by Licensed (LPNs or LVNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs). A doctor will need to place the order for skilled nursing in-home or any outpatient therapy services. In-home skilled nursing care is available for children, adults and seniors.
Looking for the Best in Skilled Nursing Care?
At BrightStar® Home Care, we know the challenges families face when dealing with a major medical event. We believe that combining the comforts of home with the highest quality nursing professionals gives you the best chance at a higher quality of life. Please give us a call at 866.618.7827 or find an agency near you to learn how we can help you with skilled nursing services for children, adults and seniors.