When a loved one requires extra medical assistance after a hospital stay, it can be difficult to decide what to do, especially since the right care after an illness or injury is crucial for a successful recovery. To prepare, one of the best things you can do is learn more about skilled nursing facilities (SNF), and begin reading up on how to choose the best one.
What Is a Skilled Nursing Facility?
According to Medicare.gov, a skilled nursing facility is a place where people can go after a hospital stay when they still require short-term assistance and rehabilitation and/or medical treatments after an illness or injury.
Skilled care is most often performed by a licensed therapist, nurse, or physician and can include:
- Medication administration
- Wound care
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Physical therapy
- Respiratory therapy
What Is the Difference Between a Skilled Nursing Facility and a Nursing Home?
A skilled nursing facility and a nursing home are not the same thing. However, there is some overlap between the two. For example, the majority of nursing homes also have access to skilled nursing care for patients living with chronic conditions. The main difference is short-term rehabilitation versus long-term care.
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Skilled nursing facilities generally cater to short-term rehabilitation services provided by licensed nurses and/or doctors after a hospital stay for an illness, injury, or a major surgery.
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are a long-term care solution for people who can no longer take care of themselves independently. Nursing homes provide around-the-clock care to residents that generally also includes cleaning services, meal services, other amenities, and in many cases, skilled nursing services.
Types of skilled nursing services offered at Haven Health:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Complex wound therapy
- Joint replacement care
- Infusion therapy
Haven Health locations that offer the nursing home level of care offer:
- Assisted living
- Memory care
- Behavioral therapy
- 24/7 access to skilled nursing services
- Assistance with daily activities
Is There a Difference in Cost Between Skilled Nursing and Nursing Homes?
In general, long-term rehabilitation, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, etc. cost more than a short stay at a skilled nursing facility. However, the costs of skilled nursing services and nursing home costs will vary drastically depending on several factors, such as:
- The extent of therapies and skilled nursing services required
- Your insurance coverage
- Length of stay
- Personal preferences
For example, Medicare tends to provide limited coverage for skilled nursing care, but Medicare does not tend to cover long-term care in a nursing home.
The Importance of Skilled Nursing Facilities
Staying at a skilled nursing facility after a major illness, injury, or surgery can provide the following benefits:
- Reassurance that your loved one is being looked after as they heal
- Access to medically trained staff to reduce the risk of infection or further injury
- Access to medication management services to ensure your loved one is getting everything they need to heal
- Rehabilitation services are onsite
Skilled Nursing Facility Requirements for Admission
To be accepted into a skilled nursing facility, you will generally have to meet certain requirements before being admitted, such as:
- Your doctor’s recommendation(s) for treatment
- Your medical history
- Details about daily needs, such as medication administration, eating schedule, etc.
- A predetermined care plan with a list of goals for discharge
- Patients must also be medically stable upon admission
Tips for Choosing a Skilled Nursing Facility
Finding the skilled nursing care you need can be difficult. Whether you’re looking for a short-term rehabilitation stay at a skilled nursing facility, or are requiring a long-term nursing home, there are several things to consider, such as:
Location
Will the location make it easy to regularly see your doctor? Will it be convenient for family and friends to visit?
Quality of Care
You should always be comfortable with the recovery you will be receiving. However, you should also ensure that the staff is certified and can provide you with the care you need. For example, the National Institute on Aging (NIH) recommends asking about a facility’s Medicare/Medicaid certification, state certification, and personally visiting before deciding to ensure that the place is clean, comfortable, and friendly.
Does the Facility Offer All the Services You Require?
Whether you have specific needs due to diabetes, or you have mobility issues, it’s important to know that the facility you end up at has everything you will require.
Cost
Every facility is a little different, and everyone’s insurance coverage may be a little different. Therefore, it’s important to sit down with the staff in the financial office at each skilled nursing facility you’re considering to discuss financing options. Examples of things to discuss include:
- What Medicare covers
- If Medicaid is an option for gaps in coverage
- If there are other insurance or financing options
- What costs will be out of pocket
If you’re looking for post-hospitalization care in Arizona, consider Haven Health. With professional and caring staff, individual treatment plans offering various therapies, and an environment that strives for comfort during healing, Haven Health can provide the level of care you need.
Staying at a skilled nursing facility to recover from an illness, injury, or major surgery can make healing and recovery easier and less stressful. If you’re looking for skilled nursing services in Arizona, look no further than the skilled nursing professionals at Haven Health to help you with your healing journey.
Are you looking for short-term rehabilitation, or a nursing home in Arizona? Contact Haven Health today to discuss your options.
Sources:
Glossary. (2020).
How can I Pay for Nursing Home Care? (n.d.).
How to Choose a Nursing Home or Other Long-Term Care Facility. (2023).
Skilled Nursing Facility Care. (n.d.).
Skilled Nursing Facilities. (n.d.).