What Qualifies a Patient for Skilled Nursing Care?

doctor smiling at senior man

 

When your loved one needs specialized care for their medical needs, you may wonder if skilled nursing care would be the appropriate level of care for them. Your loved one will likely need to meet certain qualifications to receive skilled nursing care.

Once you know what defines skilled nursing care, what qualifies a patient for skilled nursing care, and what kind of services your loved one can receive in this level of care, you can make an informed decision in your next steps to finding the best type of long-term care for your loved one.

What Is Skilled Nursing Care?

Skilled nursing care stands as a comprehensive and advanced level of health care administered by licensed professionals within specialized communities. At its core, this form of care is orchestrated by registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who operate under the direct supervision of a physician.

This specialized care is often provided in settings such as senior living communities or rehabilitation centers. Skilled nursing care extends beyond routine medical attention, encompassing an array of services tailored to individuals confronting acute or chronic health conditions.

This includes the delivery of complex medical services and intricate medical management, all of which collectively address the multifaceted needs of patients.

daughter and senior mother holding hands

What Qualifies a Patient for Skilled Nursing Care?

Several factors contribute to determining a patient’s eligibility for skilled nursing care. Typically, individuals who need a higher level of medical care than what can be feasibly offered in a home or assisted living environment may qualify for admission to a skilled nursing community.

Qualifying conditions span a spectrum, including post-surgical recovery, acute illnesses, chronic health conditions, and the need for specialized rehabilitation services.

Patients with complex medical needs, such as intravenous (IV) therapy, respiratory care, or ongoing monitoring, often meet the criteria for skilled nursing care.

Eligibility assessments are typically conducted by health care professionals through a thorough examination of the patient’s medical history, current health status, and specific care requirements.

Skilled Nursing Services

Skilled nursing services represent a diverse array of specialized health care interventions provided by licensed professionals within the confines of a skilled nursing community.

These services are designed to address the unique and often intricate health care needs of residents. Some key components of skilled nursing services include:

1. Medical Monitoring

This involves the routine and vigilant assessment of vital signs, continuous observation of a patient’s health status, and proactive adjustments to care plans as necessary.

2. Rehabilitation Therapy

Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are integral components aimed at restoring or improving residents’ functional abilities and enhancing their overall quality of life.

3. Wound Care

Skilled nursing care encompasses the specialized treatment and management of wounds, surgical incisions, and injuries to facilitate optimal healing and prevent complications.

4. Medication Management

Skilled nursing professionals supervise and administer medications, ensuring proper dosage, adherence to prescribed schedules, and monitoring for potential side effects or interactions.

5. Chronic Disease Management

Coordinated and tailored care is provided for individuals grappling with complex and chronic medical conditions, ensuring a holistic approach to health care.

6. Pain Management

Professionals in skilled nursing communities undertake comprehensive assessments and implement strategies to alleviate and manage pain effectively, enhancing residents’ comfort and well-being.

Overall, skilled nursing services are crafted to provide high-quality, specialized care, contributing significantly to the well-being, recovery, and maintenance of optimal health for individuals with complex health care needs.

caregiver and senior lady smiling by blue couch

Skilled Nursing at Brandon Wilde

Discover unparalleled senior care at The Pavilion in Evans, GA. Our skilled nursing community blends compassionate services with a homelike atmosphere. Open to seniors in Augusta, GA, and those age 18 and above, our licensed nursing staff provides short- and long-term inpatient care in private and semi-private rooms.

Our warm environment treats everyone like family, offering diverse social, recreational and cultural activities.

Services and Amenities: 

  • Housekeeping
  • Chef-Prepared Meals
  • Individualized Care Plans
  • Elite Physician Services
  • Medication Management
  • WellConnected Therapies
  • Scheduled Transportation
  • Respite Stay
  • Dynamic Calendar of Activities

If you’re wondering if your loved one would be a potential candidate for our skilled nursing care, they will likely need to have one of the following qualifications:

  • Persistent health conditions or disability
  • Chronic or severe pain
  • Enduring medical conditions
  • Permanent disabilities
  • Dementia

At Brandon Wilde, independent living residents have guaranteed access to the community’s skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. As an independent living resident, you have peace of mind knowing that you can receive comprehensive short- and long-term inpatient care from licensed nursing staff of RNs and LPNs at a predictable cost if and when you need it.

Should you or a loved one need skilled nursing care, we invite you to call 706-868-3552 to learn more about our compassionate program.