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Skilled Nursing Facility

Skilled nursing care is high-level medical care that is usually supervised by a certified healthcare professional. The medical professionals usually include a registered nurse, an occupational therapist, a physical therapist, a speech therapist, or an occupational therapist. Skilled nursing provides various levels of care and can be provided in a rehabilitation center, a hospital, or the home of the person.

Some of the common examples of skilled nursing care include wound care, occupational therapy, IV therapy, etc. Usually, it might be necessary to seek skilled nursing care while recovering after a surgical procedure. However, skilled nursing care does not include the services that are provided by a senior caregiver or a certified nursing assistant. For instance, help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, cooking, or dressing does not fall under skilled nursing care.

Skilled Nursing Care In Senior Assisted Living Centers

Many of us think that skilled nursing care happens only in hospitals. But, it can happen in other places like senior assisted living facilities. However, it is important to understand that even though assisted living communities offer much support and help, the assisted living license that is issued by their state only lets these facilities offer care up to some extent. Typically, skilled nursing care is not allowed even in those facilities that offer the highest level of assisted living care.

Even though residents in assisted living facilities enjoy caregiver assistance round the clock, there can be situations when they might need more complex medical interventions. In such situations, there are two options. The first one is to have home healthcare professionals come to the assisted living apartment of the senior person and perform the necessary skilled nursing care interventions. In this case, the care receiver will have to pay for the skilled nursing services.

Another option for residents in assisted living facilities who require skilled nursing care is to visit a skilled nursing facility. These are specialized communities that allow for both short-term and long-term stays.

Final Thoughts

Skilled nursing care is usually prescribed after an extended hospital stay, medical procedure, or surgery. You might also require skilled nursing care if you suffer from a chronic or complex medical condition that needs regular medical intervention. Your doctor can be your guide as they will have to prescribe skilled nursing care and will also have to oversee the treatment plan to ensure the best outputs from the treatment.