Skilled Nursing/Rehab Centers

Description

Skilled Nursing has been given many names over the years such as Nursing Home, Nursing Facility and even “The Home.” Today, they are referred to as Short Term Rehab Centers, where individuals are admitted to (most typically from an acute hospital) for services such as physical, occupational and/or speech therapy. Other acute type services may include heavy wound management, IV treatment, tube feeding maintenance, pain management, diabetic care and even tracheotomy care. Some residents are also receiving isolated treatment for contagious infections and truly require the services of a skilled nurse. A physician is usually assigned as the medical director and provides oversight for patients needing medication adjustments and other care interventions. A nurse practitioner may also be available for additional support. Nurses and certified nursing assistants are present 24/7. Dieticians are also on staff to meet the complex dietary needs of residents. Activities and Social Service departments are available daily for other resourceful and socialization needs.

Staff

Skilled nursing facilities are required per State to abide by a staffing ratio, although many say such facilities are still understaffed. I would argue a quality versus quantity issue here. A facility can employ more and more staff, but if such staff is lackluster it won’t make a huge impact on meeting the needs of residents. On the other hand, if a facility has less staff, yet of high caliber, meeting the residents’ needs is far more attainable and effective overall. When choosing a nursing home, its best to look at their State record and “Star” rating which may be found at www.medicare.gov. RealCare and Elder’s Choice® can also provide you with this helpful information.

Pricing

Even though skilled nursing rehab centers provide such high-level care, their residents are still only expected to have a length of stay no longer than 14-21 days or less. Long term care stay in a skilled nursing facility is rapidly becoming obsolete as more and more skilled nursing rehab centers are moving toward the short-term care model for the communities they serve. However, should residents remain in a skilled rehab center, private pay typically starts at over $7,500 per month. Many States have a Medicaid based program which may help provide financial assistance for stay in a skilled nursing center, but such availability is quickly becoming limited. Medicare and other managed care insurance are the primary source for most residents funding their care.

Pros and Cons

PROS (1) Provides the necessary care of rehab and clinical services for those who truly need it, (2) 24/7 nursing and caregiver coverage, (3) More management oversight and required staff training – leading to more highly trained employees

CONS (1) Lacks a home style environment, (2) Often louder than Assisted Living and board and care homes due to the nature of the care needs and variety of residents served, (3) Food quality may be average, (4) Smell may be an issue at times due to higher acuity care, (5) Less private rooms and more shared rooms, (6) Very expensive if paying privately