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Skilled Nursing Care: Everything You Need to Know

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First of all, if someone tells you that your senior is in need of skilled nursing care, it’s likely that they’ll be moved to a nursing home.

In the infamous words of Douglas Adams, “Don’t panic.”

Most nursing homes have foregone the “medical” or “hospital” –look because people felt institutionalized. No, today, most skilled nursing facilities (SNFs, for short) are much more homey. Many have carpeted surfaces, actual furniture and even allow for the residents to bring their own decorum (including pets should they have pets).

Nursing homes also need to be licensed by the government, which just means that they are regularly inspected by the Department of Health and Human Services – so you know your elder is getting quality care.

That being said, your elder may not feel comforted by the aforementioned sentiments, especially if a doctor is breaking the news to them that they’ll need to spend time in a nursing home. Completely understandable, but know this, skilled nursing facilities provide short and long-term care.

Short and Long Term Care for Seniors?

Yes! See, years ago, all that was portrayed in the media (movies, TV shows, news outlets, etc.), were Old Folks Homes. There was no distinction of the various senior living communities.

So, what kind of care, do nursing homes provide?

Nursing homes provide 24 hour, skilled nursing care (hence, the name) and the staff perform the tasks that the elders (or adults) cannot do (temporarily or long term).

What is the short-term skilled nursing care?

The short-term care is for those who need rehabilitative care following a medical emergency or surgery of some kind. For example, let’s say your elder fell, broke their hip and had to get surgery – don’t be embarrassed, it happens far more often than you’d think. Following the surgery, your senior will need to keep the weight off their broken hip, it doesn’t mean they need to move to a nursing home, it just means that temporarily, they’re going to need extra care, especially if they can’t walk for a while because that would put pressure on it.

As a result, the staff are there to help with all those tasks, from bathing, dressing, eating, to getting around and cooking. Depending on the wound, they may assist with intravenous medication. Or, if your elder suffered a stroke, then they may help with speech/physical therapy.

What is the long-term skilled nursing care?

Long-term skilled nursing care is restricted to those that need 24/7 senior care. People who have multiple health problems or are in the later stages of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. This is the kind of care, you simply cannot receive at home – without incurring exorbitant costs.

What is the Difference Between Skilled Care and Other Senior Living Options?

Independent Living (AKA Retirement Homes) are for elders that don’t require a great deal of care, but don’t want the stress of maintaining a home. These may also be people who know they’ll need more care later on, so they want to find a community ahead of time.

Assisted Living provides more care than Independent Living by helping with transportation, dressing, feeding and other services. It offers more moderate care.

Adult Family Homes can vary greatly between intensive care and minor-care. The biggest reason to choose these senior care homes is because they offer very personalized care since the residents are limited to 6 (in Washington anyway).

Nursing Homes provide the MOST care with 24/7 nurses that are skilled in all things seniors.

If you’re on the lookout for a skilled nursing home, contact our Care Advisors and we’ll give you only the most credible and certified options.

Written by
Concierge Care Advisors

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Concierge Care Advisors

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No Cost for Families

Our services are entirely free for families. We are compensated by the senior living community or retirement community we refer to, allowing us to help all families with this important journey at no cost to them.

Boots on the Ground

We thoroughly vet every community and professional we work with, ensuring you receive the quality service you deserve. We set benchmarks that matter and only partner with professionals and communities that meet our high standards.

Personalized Choice

With personal relationships with over 2,200 senior living communities throughout the State of Washington alone, including assisted living communities, retirement communities, and independent living communities, we provide more than 2,000 senior living options.

White-Glove Service

You and your loved ones are our focus. From the moment we meet until the day your loved one moves in, we’re by your side every step of the way to ensure your family has the support it deserves. It doesn’t stop there either – stay connected for physician-informed guidance and knowledge to ensure your loved one is receiving the quality care they need.

Expertise Backed by Our Physicians Advisory Board

At Concierge Care Advisors, our team of Certified Advisors is enhanced by the insights and expertise of our Physicians Advisory Board. This panel of medical professionals plays a crucial role in shaping our senior care and transition services, ensuring they meet the high standards of quality and care that our brand is known for. With their guidance, we deliver a more comprehensive range of services, benefiting both families and healthcare professionals.

Our Physicians Advisory Board members actively share their knowledge with our community. They regularly contribute to #TheSeniorSpotlight Podcast, where they discuss critical topics in senior care, and publish thought leadership articles on our blog and in industry publications. Learn more about our Physician Advisory Board here

These resources are designed to help seniors and their families make informed decisions about care options, equipping them with knowledge and providing peace of mind regarding senior health and living options. 

Listen to our Physician Advisory Board on #TheSeniorSpotlight Podcast

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