When Skilled Nursing is The Answer

 

Skilled nursing is caring. It is nurturing our loved ones with adequate support, assistance and affection to recover from

a medical condition. Following chronic illness or a major injury, skilled nursing appears to be the viable option for the process of recovery. Though the medical challenge may have been resolved from the doctors’ end, it is essential to ensure adequate care during follow-up. That is when skilled nursing comes into the picture as they extend nursing knowledge for the overall well-being of the individual. It is focused towards a smooth transition from hospital to home, enabling independence and control of activities of daily living (ADLs).

Skilled nursing is offered by a team of registered nurses (RNs). With rich experience of nursing elder folks, disabled individuals and patients with chronic illnesses, skilled nurses offer adequate medical attention, commitment, care, and dedication. As their primary aim is to provide medical assistance to the patients, they exhibit qualities of care and compassion. Skilled nursing enables the much-needed shift from 24/7 monitoring in hospitals to moments of independence. When a patient makes efforts to get back to normal life, skilled nursing adopts the role of caregivers and hand holders. They empower their elder friends with confidence, support, attention, and assistance to resume the routine as fast as possible.

 

What is the nature of skilled nursing?

Skilled nursing as the name suggests focusses over trained medical assistance provided by nurses. Their primary activities involve the following-

  1. Administration of injections,
  2. Assistance with intake of medicines,
  3. Drawing blood and other medical specimens for regular tests,
  4. Conducting examination of blood pressure, weight, blood sugar, vital signs
  5. Taking care of diet and exercises

With such constant care during follow-up, patients can return to their normal schedule soon. Often, long stay in hospitals can turn overwhelming for our elders. As they toil to adjust back to the usual daily activities, it can increase feelings of sorrow, frustration, anger or confusion. At such a stage, it is extremely essential to ensure constant attention and adequate care. With regular medical assistance, this part can be taken care of. Besides, recovery is an important stage in the process. Unless an individual concentrates on the recovery to usual life, it is difficult to expect any progress. Often, the final step is the most difficult one, hence provision of skilled nursing can ensure the journey to recovery is flawless.

Skilled nursing should not be confused with the role of care providers. While care-providers or caregivers assist in activities of daily living (ADLs) and light housekeeping, skilled nursing is more about medical care.

 

Where is it offered?

Skilled nursing is offered by registered nurses. It can also involve a team of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nurses’ aides (CNAs). Though there are several terms and titles, the underlying qualification is medical assistance, constant care, and professional support. Their duties do not intersect with assisted living facilities or senior communities where light housekeeping is offered too. As the main focus is over recovery and health, it is required by patients of chronic illnesses, and for post-operative care after major surgeries, wounds, trauma, and accidents.

Skilled nursing can be accessed through two broad sources-

  1. Nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) at the location
  2. Skilled nursing care at home.

Nursing homes offer constant medical attention, care and support for those requiring longer supervision following surgery, injury or serious medical condition. These are offered at licensed healthcare residences. The team consists of registered nurses and care-aides. With a regular schedule of medicines, injections, adequate diet and light exercises, these nursing homes can ensure all of the above. They can also involve physiotherapy and occupational therapy for complete recovery of the patients. It is essential to collect information about the licenses, safety, security and overall operational practices of a nursing home before making the final decision.

 

Skilled nursing care at home– When our elder folks choose freedom, ambiance, and warmth of their own homes, skilled nursing care can be a good option. This involves home visits by registered nurses or licensed practice nurses. Their responsibilities involve constant medical care as required by the individual for a full recovery. Skilled nursing care at home can only be suitable for those who do not need advanced medical facilities. References from friends and relatives can help in choosing the best nursing care service for our loved ones.

Do not panic or stress over skilled nursing. With great advances in nursing homes and home care services, it is not difficult to help our elders in the best way.

Seek right information, gather references, stay calm and think well before finding the correct option for your parents, relatives or friends. When skilled nursing is the answer, the right tools and research is the key.

If you need skilled nursing care at home, contact Angels on Call Homecare to schedule your evaluation today.