Nursing home care is not only for the elderly. It can be an option for people recovering from injuries or illnesses, need rehabilitation, or have long-term disabilities that make a living on their own impossible. Let’s explore the different levels of nursing home care and what they offer to each resident in a nursing home environment.
What You Need To Know About Nursing Home Care
Nursing facilities provide different levels of care based on the patient’s unique needs.
Commonly, you may find memory care, skilled nursing, residential living, rehabilitation,
independent senior living and assisted living. Though each level has different components, all
levels provide help in some form.
Some may be hesitant to place their loved ones in a nursing home, but it is essential to remember that the homes are not hospitals. They provide care for all ages and stages of life, from young adults to seniors. For peace of mind, you can ask assistance from a nursing home lawyer to further understand the care their loved one will be receiving. This will help you decide accordingly and what’s suitable for you and your loved one’s needs.Â
Memory Care
The Memory Care unit is specifically designed for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other memory impairments. This type of care can be offered on a short-term basis when the patient goes through an episode that affects their cognitive abilities or chronic conditions where memory loss becomes problematic to them and their loved ones.
Skilled Nursing
The Skilled Nursing Unit provides 24-hour care and supervision for patients who need more intensive medical attention than what can be provided in an assisted living or residential setting. Nurses on staff can administer medications, provide wound care, and manage other health concerns. This type of care is often a step-down from a hospital stay.
Residential Living
The Residential Living Unit is for residents who do not require the skilled nursing services of the Skilled Nursing Unit but still need assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. This unit offers more independence than a traditional nursing home setting and includes amenities like shared kitchens and socializing areas.
Rehabilitation Unit
The Rehabilitation Unit provides care for patients who have recently been discharged from a hospital and need help with their recovery process. This unit offers physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology services, and other therapies to assist the patient in achieving optimal health both physically and cognitively.
Assisted Living
The Assisted Living Unit is for residents who do not require the 24-hour nursing care of the Skilled Nursing Unit but still need help with activities of daily living. This unit offers more independence than a traditional nursing home setting and includes amenities like shared kitchens and socializing areas.
It is essential to understand the different levels of nursing home care to make the best decision for your loved one. By knowing what each level provides, you can ensure that they are receiving the highest quality of care possible.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Nursing Home Facility
Making the right decision to place a loved one in a nursing home is not always easy. When making your decision, there are many things to consider, such as the level of care they will need and their budget.
It is important to remember that there is no “one size fits all” answer when choosing a nursing home. Every facility offers different services and amenities, so it is essential to research your options and find the best fit for your loved one.
That being said, here are several essential factors you need to check when searching for the perfect facility:
Accreditation and facilities conditionsÂ
A reputable organization should accredit the facility. Also, the building itself must meet specific standards of cleanliness and safety to provide quality care for your loved one. This can save you from having many problems down the road with the nursing home.
Services and amenities
Each nursing home offers different services and amenities, so it is essential to find one that meets your loved one’s needs. For instance, if they need extensive rehabilitation after an injury or surgery, make sure the nursing home you choose has a well-equipped rehab center on-site.
Location
Another essential thing to consider is the nursing home’s location. It should be close enough for you to visit often and in a safe and accessible area.
Cost
The cost of nursing home care can vary significantly from one facility to another. Make sure you know the average monthly rate at each nursing home before making your decision.
The level of care a nursing home provides can vary greatly as well. Here are three levels of care you will typically find:
Basic Care
This is the most basic level of care and includes assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. Primary care facilities also offer medication management, meals, and housekeeping services.
Intermediate Care
Intermediate care facilities offer more comprehensive assistance than primary care homes, including help with using the toilet and walking. They also provide more extensive medical care, including wound care and IV therapy.
Skilled Nursing Care
This is the most intensive level of care and is typically only offered in nursing homes with on-site hospitals. Skilled nursing care facilities provide around-the-clock medical care, including assistance with activities of daily living, wound care, and IV therapy.
Final Words
Nursing homes are designed to provide the best possible care for your loved one. Finding one should not compromise their quality of life. It’s a critical decision to make, and it should be done correctly. You will need this information when going through the process because you don’t want your loved one to be in the wrong place.
