At some point in your or your loved one’s life, they will likely need rehabilitation services – whether it’s related to an injury, following a surgery, to regain mobility, or to improve cognitive function. Skilled nursing facilities and post-acute rehab centers can help. Here’s what to expect if you or a loved one is looking at this type of recovery path.
What Is a Skilled Nursing Facility?
A skilled nursing facility (SNF) provides 24-hour services and medical care, while helping people with physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and more. A stay at a skilled nursing facility typically lasts 28 days on average. The “skilled” in skilled nursing refers to a facility that employs at least one full-time Registered Nurse as well as a doctor who can provide round-the-clock nursing care.
The goal of skilled nursing is to help a patient in recovery return to their highest level of autonomy before returning home.
What Does The Day-to-Day Look Like?
Each day, patients receive a couple of hours of therapy. Every few days, they will visit with a doctor, depending on their needs. Alongside medical and rehab care, trained specialists will also help with bathing, eating, dressing, and more, depending on the amount of care required post surgery, injury, or accident. Skilled nursing facilities also provide physical exercise to build and maintain muscle strength. In addition, they often offer a variety of activities to promote social interaction during a person’s stay.
Is Skilled Nursing the Best Option?
It’s always best to talk to your loved one’s doctor about what they recommend. A skilled nursing facility will provide daily access to specialists and physicians onsite who are certified in long-term care. At Careage, our post-acute care centers provide skilled nursing, short-term post-acute rehabilitation, and even home health options to aid in recovery following a surgery or hospitalization.
Check out a Careage community near you to learn more. We would love to help develop a personalized health plan for you or your loved one.