What Is Skilled Nursing Care?

Suppose you just fractured a hip, and have learned that after hip replacement surgery, you’ll need to learn how to walk again.

Perhaps your loved one recently had a stroke, and they are having difficulty performing tasks of everyday living to the point that it is a serious disability.

In each of these scenarios, skilled nursing care can provide the assistance and compassion you or your loved one needs to live safely and securely.

Skilled nursing homes provide these scopes of services, but many may wonder what comprises skilled nursing care and who can benefit? We’ll examine these and a few more questions.

What Is Skilled Nursing Care?

This is a type of care that must be administered or supervised by licensed health care professionals such as registered nurses or certified rehabilitation specialists. It’s typically for those who need close monitoring and medical care that cannot be provided in their homes or as an outpatient.

It is also for those who have a serious, chronic health condition or those who need around-the-clock medical care or supervision.

At Bladen East, we provide compassionate care in a comfortable, home-like environment.

Is Skilled Nursing Care Short Term or Long Term?

Actually, it can be both.

This highly specialized level of medical care can be short term, such as for someone who is learning how to walk again after a hip or knee replacement, or it may be long term, such as helping someone with Parkinson’s disease who is unable to care for themselves at home.

What Type of Medical Services Are Given as Part of Skilled Nursing Care?

There are a wide variety of services that are offered as a part of this type of care. Some of them include:

Do Skilled Nursing Homes Provide Other Services?

Yes! In fact, at Bladen East, you’ll find that we have an interesting calendar of events scheduled for our residents. During COVID-19, we have had to make some adjustments to our planned activities to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents.

Skilled nursing homes also take away the headache of chores and home maintenance. Residents are provided a home-like room that they can decorate, and all are provided delicious, nutritious home-cooked meals. We can easily accommodate any special dietary requirements.

Is Skilled Nursing Care Covered by Medicare?

Yes, but you need to meet certain specific criteria. You can learn more about this by speaking with a Medicare representative or by visiting the official government website.

What Are Some of the Most Common Conditions That Require Skilled Nursing Care?

Skilled nursing is an appropriate option for those who need around the clock medical care or those who are not able to receive treatment in their home.

Some of the most common conditions that require either long-term or short-term skilled nursing care include:

  • Strokes
  • Rehabilitation after surgery or accident
  • Lung diseases such as COPD
  • Mobility disorders
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Heart disease

While diseases such as diabetes or arthritis do not typically require this care, in certain cases, these chronic conditions can progress to the point where they are disabling. In this case, you should speak with your physician to see if this type of care would be an appropriate option.

What is the Difference Between Skilled Nursing Care and Assisted Living?

While some people may use these terms interchangeably, they are actually very different.

While those in assisted living may need help with some of the activities of everyday life—like bathing or dressing—they typically do not need the 24/7 care and close medical monitoring that are a part of skilled nursing care.

Those in long-term skilled nursing care also typically have serious, chronic illnesses that require more intensive supervision.

Bladen East: Your Best Choice for Skilled Nursing Care in Elizabethtown, NC

We understand that there is a lot of confusion surrounding skilled nursing, and the decision to move yourself or a loved one into a skilled nursing home is one that can cause intense anxiety.

That’s why we want to put you at ease: Bladen East has the type of compassionate care that makes residents feel like members of a family. While we have the quality nursing care available for any medical needs, we feel it is truly our friendly, welcoming and warm environment that sets us apart.

Do you have more questions that weren’t answered here? We’ll be happy to arrange a virtual tour and provide any information you need to make an informed decision. Contact us today because our spaces fill quickly.