When it comes to providing comprehensive and specialized care, skilled nursing stands out as a critical service for those with complex medical needs. At Four Seasons Healthcare Solutions, skilled nursing is a core component of our services. We take pride in delivering top-notch skilled nursing care, ensuring our clients receive the medical attention and support they need to thrive. But what exactly is skilled nursing, what are its benefits, and who needs it?
What is skilled nursing?
Skilled nursing is medical care that can only be safely and effectively performed by medical professionals or technical personnel, like registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and therapists. In fact, skilled nursing is the same type of care you receive while in a hospital. Typically, this care is for those who require extensive medical attention, such as individuals who are continuing to recover from a hospital stay because of illness, injury, or surgery. What makes skilled nursing different from other kinds of care, like home health, is the focus on high-level medical care and rehabilitation.
A few of the services included in skilled nursing are:
- Medical care, like wound care, IV therapy, medication management, and chronic condition monitoring, to ensure healing and health.
- Rehabilitation, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, to regain independence and improve quality of life.
- Supportive services, including assistance with bathing, dressing, and eating or other activities of daily living (ADLs), to maintain dignity and independence.
What are the benefits of skilled nursing?
Skilled nursing can be an invaluable resource for older adults and their families. Some key advantages of skilled nursing care include:
- Medical expertise. Because skilled nursing is provided by trained medical professionals, many conditions can be confidently addressed and treated.
- Thorough care. Skilled nursing covers a wide range of services so individuals can have all their needs met in one place by a team of providers.
- Personalized plans. Care plans are tailored to each person’s unique health needs and goals for best outcomes.
- Continuous monitoring. Regular health assessments ensure changes in condition are promptly addressed.
- Peace of mind. Families can rest easier knowing that loved ones are in capable and compassionate hands 24/7.
Who might need skilled nursing?
Since skilled nursing is high-level care, not everyone will require it. Those who most benefit from it are individuals:
- with complex medical needs and serious health conditions requiring continuous medical supervision and care.
- in post-hospitalization recovery and skilled nursing will aid a faster and safer recovery.
- for ongoing chronic illness management such as diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory issues.
Depending on necessary support, skilled nursing can be short-term (like rehabilitation) or long-term (like memory care).
In 2021, there were over 1.8 million Medicare-covered admissions to skilled nursing facilities . Understanding skilled nursing’s crucial role in aging well means that number will only grow. Everyone deserves the best possible care to foster health, independence, and quality of life. And skilled nursing delivers that – providing exceptional, comprehensive services based on the individual’s healthcare needs and preferences.
