As you are starting to plan for your own long-term care needs or those of your loved one, an important first step is to familiarize yourself with the different terms that are used in the industry. Many people are confused by the difference between skilled nursing services and nursing home care. At Elder Care Direction, we are able to help you to understand the different types of care so that you might be able to determine what might be most appropriate for you or your loved one.
What is Skilled Nursing Care?
Skilled nursing care is care that is provided by people who are trained, including physical, occupational, and speech therapists or registered nurses. These types of services may be needed for rehabilitation after an injury or illness or for round-the-clock care for people who have chronic medical conditions. These types of services may include such things as monitoring your medical equipment and vital signs, physical therapy, giving injections, or providing wound care.
In-home skilled nursing care
Home health agencies offer skilled nursing services in your home. When a doctor prescribes skilled nursing care, short-term services may be covered by veterans benefits, long-term care policies, Medicare, and some private health insurance policies. By using home health care, you might be able to maintain your independence while you age in place in your home.
Assisted living facilities and skilled nursing care
If you or your loved one need more help than what can be offered in your home, one option that you might have is moving to an assisted living facility. At these locations, there are many different services that are provided so that they still have some independence while receiving help with completing the tasks of daily living.
The types of care that people might be able to receive at assisted living facilities may vary widely. State licensing boards frequently decide what levels of care are able to be provided at these facilities. The purpose of assisted living facilities is to provide help with the activities of daily living, but they are not meant to provide skilled care 24 hours per day. If your loved one’s needs are greater than what can be offered at an assisted living facility, you will either need to choose a home health agency or consider a move to a nursing home.
Nursing home care
Nursing homes are commonly called skilled nursing facilities. These function as healthcare residences for people who need a higher level of care than what they can receive at an assisted living facility. Skilled nursing staff, including certified nurse’s aides, LPNs, and RNs are there to offer 24 hours per day of medical attention. These facilities are often used for short-term stays following a release from inpatient hospital stays. Extended stays may be needed for people who suffer from serious medical conditions.
Evaluating care options
At Elder Care Direction, we are able to help you to understand the different types of care that you or your loved one might need. By helping you to cut through the confusion, we may be able to help you to decide what type of care may be most appropriate. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation by filling out our online contact form.
