As a busy adult, the balancing act that is caring for your home, working a full-time job, and managing children or pets can take an enormous toll. Adding in an aging parent’s routines, especially when they require extra care, can be nearly impossible on top of everything else that already exists to fill your days. When your parents begin to need more help in their everyday lives than you can comfortably incorporate into yours, it may be time to get help from the professionals who offer skilled nursing services.
When a loved one requires more care than what you can provide at home, it’s crucial to understand the options available to get the best care possible for your family member. Skilled nursing services offer comprehensive care for those needing medical attention beyond basic living assistance. This guide aims to demystify skilled nursing care in Lancaster County, PA, providing families with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions.
What Are Skilled Nursing Services?
Skilled nursing services encompass a wide range of medical care provided by licensed professionals. These professionals may include registered nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists. The care is more medically intensive than what one might receive in an assisted living community, focusing on medical needs rather than daily living activities.
How Does Skilled Nursing Care Differ from Other Types of Senior Care?
Unlike assisted living or home health care, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are equipped to handle more complex medical conditions. These facilities provide 24-hour supervision and medical attention, including wound care, administration of medications, physical therapy, and monitoring of vital signs. Skilled nursing care is often recommended following a hospital stay or for long-term care of chronic conditions.
How Do I Know Skilled Nursing Care Is Right For My Family Member Or Loved One?
Determining if skilled nursing care is right for a family member involves assessing their health needs with their doctors, considering their safety, and being aware of their overall well-being. Suppose your loved one requires medical attention beyond basic care, such as wound care, complex medication management, or intensive rehabilitation after surgery or illness. In that case, skilled nursing facilities can provide the level of support that they need for better health outcomes. These facilities often offer care by licensed professionals, making them more suitable for individuals with significant health challenges, including those needing regular supervision or memory care due to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Additionally, signs like a decline in personal hygiene, unexplained weight loss, or increased caregiver stress indicate that the current care arrangements may no longer be sustainable. When safety becomes a concern due to frequent falls or difficulty performing daily living activities, a skilled nursing facility can offer a safer environment with dedicated staff to assist with personal care and medical needs. Consulting with healthcare professionals can also help make an informed decision, ensuring that moving to a skilled nursing facility aligns with your loved one’s health and personal well-being.
What Services Can You Expect in a Community Skilled Nursing Home?
In a community skilled nursing home, residents receive personalized care plans tailored to their specific health needs. Services often include, but are not limited to:
- Medical and Nursing Care: These services include management of medications, wound dressing, and chronic condition monitoring.
- Rehabilitative Services: Physical, occupational, and speech therapies aimed at improving or maintaining the resident’s level of function.
- Daily Living Assistance: Help with bathing, dressing, and eating for those who require it.
- Social and Recreational Activities: Programs designed to keep residents engaged and connected with their community.
Who Benefits from Skilled Nursing Care?
Skilled nursing facilities are ideal for individuals who require rehabilitation services after a hospital stay or those with medical conditions that need constant monitoring. These residents include people recovering from surgery, stroke victims, or those with serious illnesses like heart failure or respiratory conditions. It may also be suitable for long-term care of elderly patients with severe cognitive impairments, such as advanced Alzheimer’s disease, but that should be discussed with the facility and the person’s medical team.
How to Choose the Right Skilled Nursing Facility in Lancaster County, PA?
Selecting the right skilled nursing facility for your loved one is a decision that holds considerable weight. It’s about finding a place where they will receive the medical care and support they require and feel respected, valued, and part of a community. Here are some considerations you might have:
- Accreditation and Licensing: Ensure the facility meets Pennsylvania Department of Health standards.
- Staff Qualifications: Check the qualifications and experience of the medical and support staff.
- Facility Conditions: Visit the facility to assess cleanliness, safety, and the overall environment.
- Care Services: Confirm that the facility offers the specific services your loved one needs.
- Community Engagement: Look for opportunities for residents to engage with each other and the broader community.
Choose the Skilled Nursing Care Services Your Loved One Deserves
Choosing a skilled nursing facility for a loved one is a significant decision that impacts their health and well-being. Families in Lancaster County, PA, can feel more confident in their choices by understanding what skilled nursing services entail and what to look for in a facility. Remember, the goal is to find a supportive, caring environment where your loved one can receive the medical care they need while being treated with dignity and respect. If you would like to learn more about the skilled nursing option at Zerbe Retirement Community, get in touch with us today!
