One key benefit of skilled nursing care is allowing people to recover from surgery, illness, injuries, or acute or chronic health conditions in the comfort of their home or at a skilled nursing facility.
A skilled nursing facility (SNF) is a medical setting where patients go after a hospital stay. These facilities offer rehabilitative services such as physical, occupational, speech therapy, medical management and other medical services. Individuals can also receive the same care in-home, offering convenience and peace of mind.
Let's look at other benefits of skilled nursing care, whether in your home or at a SNF.
Personalized Assessment
Skilled nursing care requires a personal, in-depth assessment. These assessments evaluate current health conditions, living environment, decision-making ability, medical, physical and emotional needs, along with other needs-specific information. Assessments are completed regularly based on Medicare requirements, state or accrediting body requirements, or with a change in the patient's condition.
Personalized Health Care
Individuals who need skilled nursing may have a chronic or terminal illness, have a disability or are older adults with changing needs. Some may be recovering from injuries or living with a chronic disease. Skilled nursing enables a personal approach to health care that can be modified quickly as needs evolve.
Quality of Life
A higher quality of life is always the goal, especially for those with chronic or terminal conditions. Skilled nursing provided by a compassionate and caring team can help maintain self-respect and dignity for the individual. In addition to meeting the client’s medical needs, visits from nurses can also help alleviate isolation and loneliness.
Safety is a Top Priority
Safety is always top of mind for skilled nursing facilities, in-home health care providers and family members. A comprehensive and personalized assessment can address changes needed in the home environment to minimize fall risk and help make bathrooms and cooking areas safe.
Home care nurses ensure clients are taking the proper medication at the right time and dose. They can also show clients and their family caregivers how to operate a glucose machine, administer shots and handle other care needs.
Reduce Family Caregiver Burnout
Caring for loved ones due to illness, injury or accident (short-term or long), can lead to emotional, mental and physical exhaustion. The primary reason for burnout is the caregiver's lack of support and resources including educational, physical, emotional and financial.
Having a qualified, licensed professional nursing team help manage the day-to-day care for your loved one leaves you more time to fill your emotional reserves. Taking care of yourself is not a luxury; it is a necessity.
Lower Risk of Readmission
Skilled nursing or a skilled nursing facility's primary goal is to get patients back on their feet so they can return to living an independent and active, healthy life. Nurses can lower the chance of hospital readmission by helping you or your loved one become stronger through diet, medication management, physical therapy, maintaining your blood pressure and other specific treatments. Medical monitoring allows nurses to identify potential issues early and adjust as necessary.
Get Compassionate Nursing Care at Home
Many find that the biggest benefit of skilled nursing for clients is the option to receive quality medical care at home. The little things, like being surrounded by those comforts of home, can make a big difference in how fast you return to your healthy self and improve overall quality of life.
If you or a loved one could benefit from skilled nursing, in-home therapies or other home care services, please contact a BrightStar Home Care agency near you or call 866.618.7827.