Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing
The decision to place a loved one in a nursing home is one of the most important decisions one will make in a lifetime. The selection of a nursing home can be a laborious and emotional task that requires careful research and consideration. In order to help take some of the guesswork out of the selection task, Silver Census has developed a complete and comprehensive nursing home and elder care directory specifically designed to assist you in making your selection. We understand that each patient’s needs are different and have endeavored to provide the most complete selection of all levels of care to accommodate your particular situation. Here are a few frequently asked questions about rehabilitation and skilled nursing care that you may find helpful:
What kind of care is provided in a nursing home?
Can any doctor follow their patients in a nursing home?
How can I find out more about a nursing home safety records?
Can a private duty home health aide that usually helps my father stay with him while he is admitted in a Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center?What kind of therapy may be offered at a Short Term Rehabilitation Center?
Who is best to speak with in trying to determine whether assisted living or nursing home placement is best suited for a family member?
Is therapy offered daily at a Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility?
Are private rooms available at a nursing home?
Can I bring personal items to a Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility such as jewelry, cash or other expensive items?
What is the food like at most nursing homes?
What is Medicare?
Do Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers allow for family members to spend the night?What is Medicaid?
Do doctors or medical professional visit care facilities?
What is therapy like at a Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center?
What happens when a resident in a nursing home becomes terminally ill?
What kind of care is provided in a nursing home?
(A) A nursing home is considered a convalescent home or a "SNF" which stands for Skilled Nursing Facility. Skilled nursing care is provided by Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and nursing assistants on a 24-hour basis. Patients are assigned either semi-private rooms or private rooms. Private rooms are generally charged extra. In general, this type of facility would be appropriate in order to regain strength. Short term goals are designed to monitor the patient and return him/her to a home-like environment. Generally, skilled nursing and rehabilitation stays are covered by most insurance policies for the first 100 days. After 100 days of rehabilitation if a patient requires extended care, private pay options will be expected. Long term chronic illness for instance may debilitate a patient and this type of care facility may not be covered by insurances beyond initial set days of rehabilitation. The determination of the most appropriate level of care necessary for the patient would be best discussed by the primary care physician and the facility.
Can any doctor follow their patients in a nursing home?
(A) In selecting a care facility for you or a loved one, be sure to ask if your physician has privilege at any local rehabilitation centers in case you are admitted. Generally speaking there may be three to four physicians that visit patients in a care facility. Based on a patient’s insurance type will may determine the physician that they will be assigned to.
How can I find out more about a nursing home safety records?
(A) Nursing home facilities are regulated by both Federal and State Agencies. Silver Census encourages prudent consumers to research state survey results for further information. Commonly known as convalescent homes or skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), state survey results can be found at www.medicare.gov under nursing home facilities. Should you get an opportunity to actually tour a facility, it is a requirement that state survey results be made available to visitors. Do not hesitate to inquire about the most recent inspection reports showing deficiencies against a facility. The average deficiencies in the United States per nursing home are seventeen. It is best to ask the Administrator as to the corrective actions made regarding the deficiencies so you are reassured that you or your loved one will receive quality care. The agency for Healthcare Administration also maintains copies of all inspection reports.
Can a private duty home health aide that usually helps my father stay with him while he is admitted in a Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center?
(A) Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers do allow patients both in either short term or long term care to pay privately for additional care. Be sure to check if a long term care policy once purchased perhaps covers this additional service. It is best to communicate with either the charge nurse or social worker at the care facility the individual’s name and home care agency where the caregiver was hired from so information can be noted in the patient’s chart.
What kind of therapy may be offered at a Short Term Rehabilitation Center?
(A) Generally speaking, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy are all services offered based on the needs of each patients while during rehabilitation. Silver Census encourages consumers to inquire about specialized equipment and strengthening machines which may be made available to residents before deciding the best facility to meet your needs.
Who is best to speak with in trying to determine whether assisted living or nursing home placement is best suited for a family member?
(A) It is best to always consult with your mother’s physician first to determine the level of care that your mother may require. By scheduling an appointment and accompanying her to her doctor’s office, you will get a better understanding as to your mother’s health condition. Should you not be able to accompany your mother, hiring a geriatric care manager to accompany her may help alleviate any uncertainties. may There are certain state guidelines which your mother needs to meet in order for her to be considered appropriate for assisted living such as the ability
Is therapy offered daily at a Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility?
(A) For the most part, if cleared with the physician assigned to the patient while in rehabilitation, the team of therapists along with the physician will determine the appropriateness of therapy both the duration and frequency. There are some facilities that provide physical therapy up to 7 days per week. While looking for the best short term care rehabilitation center, it may be a good idea to tour the facility’s physical therapy room and be aware of rehabilitation equipment available for the patients to use.
Are private rooms available at a nursing home?
(A) Generally speaking, private room accommodations are considered a private pay upgrade ranging from $100 to $175 per day. Some care facilities based on a patient’s insurance may offer complementary private rooms so don’t be shy to inquire about this option.
Can I bring personal items to a Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility such as jewelry, cash or other expensive items?
(A) You have the right to bring to any senior care facility your personal items. Most care facilities will discourage you from having cash or other expensive items as they will not be responsible for your property during your stay. Be aware you may be required to sign a waiver regarding this before moving into a facility.
What is the food like at most nursing homes?
(A) All meals and snacks prepared in a skilled nursing facility/nursing home are monitored to be sure they meet a dietician’s criteria. Each senior care facility has its own guidelines and is also monitored by the Health Department for cleanliness and proper storage of food. Be sure to inquire about the care facility’s last inspection report from the Health Department. As well, don’t hesitate to request a meal to sample prior to selecting the most appropriate facility before making your decision.
What is Medicare?
(A) Medicare is a federal health insurance program available to most people over 65, certain disabled people under 65, and anyone with end-stage renal disease, regardless of age. To learn more visit www.medicare.gov
Do Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers allow for family members to spend the night?
(A) Generally speaking, it is best to ask a care facility about their rules and regulations regarding spending the night. A waiver may be asked to be signed to protect the care facility’s interest.
What is Medicaid?
(A) Program funded by federal and state governments providing health coverage for people with low incomes. To learn more visit www.medicare.gov
Do doctors or medical professional visit care facilities?
(A) Some internists or family practice physicians have medical privilege at certain care facilities such as rehabilitation centers/nursing homes. Generally specialized physicians such as neurologists or pulmonologists do not follow their patients in care facilities and require patients to follow up with them at their office. Assisted living facilities and independent living retirement communities generally have a relationship with one or two physicians that are willing to do house calls. Be sure to inquire from a resident care coordinator at a community if the property has a relationship with a physician so your needs are met.
What is therapy like at a Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center?
(A) Generally speaking, should the physician feel the patient is capable of having physical therapy the care facility may provide one to two hours of physical therapy daily. Patients will be assisted in using exercise equipment from balance devices, strengthening bands, treadmills, stationary bikes and light weight machines. Physical, speech and occupational therapist are available to meet the needs of the patients.
What happens when a resident in a nursing home becomes terminally ill?
(A) Should a resident’s physician deem a patient can benefit from hospice extended care service, the resident will be admitted under hospice while at a nursing home facility. Nursing home facilities maintain a license for end of life care. Be sure to speak extensively about health care options so that the patient remains comfortable and maintains his/her dignity.
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