When exploring long-term care options, the term “skilled nursing care” arises frequently. But what is skilled nursing? Skilled nursing care refers to medical care or treatment provided by licensed nurses and other healthcare professionals. It involves specialized services that only certified professionals can administer, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care for their medical conditions.

Skilled nursing care is available in various settings. You might find it through home healthcare agencies or at skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) that offer round-the-clock nursing care. This comprehensive approach is vital for individuals needing continuous medical supervision and support to manage their health effectively.

In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of skilled nursing care, when it becomes necessary, the options available, and how clinician groups like Ascent Healthcare provide services that highlight quality and compassion in skilled nursing patient care.

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When is Skilled Nursing Care Needed?

Medical Needs Requiring Skilled Nursing

Skilled nursing care is essential for patients dealing with serious medical issues that need specialized attention. Here are some common scenarios where skilled nursing becomes necessary:

Post-operative Care: After surgery, patients may need professional wound care, complex dressings, therapies and rehabilitative care..
Intravenous Medications: Dispensing and monitoring IV medications to ensure proper dosage and administration.
Injection Administration: This includes intramuscular injections that require precision and expertise.

Daily Medical and Personal Care

Beyond specific medical conditions, skilled nursing also involves daily care services vital for a patient’s health and comfort: I feel like we should have:

Catheter Care: Managing catheter use and ensuring it stays infection-free.
Diabetes Management: Regular monitoring and managing blood sugar levels.
Assistance with ADLs: Helping patients with Activities of Daily Living such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting.
Vital Signs Monitoring: Frequent tracking of vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, and more to quickly address any changes.

Specialized Therapies

In many cases, patients also require specialized therapies to aid in recovery and improve their quality of life:

Physical Therapy: Assistance with exercises that help regain strength and mobility after surgeries like hip replacements.
Speech Therapy: Helping patients regain communication and address dysphasia following events like strokes.
Occupational Therapy: Restoring ability for patients to perform daily tasks independently.
Pharmaceutical Services: Managing medication regimens and ensuring proper administration of prescriptions.

Skilled nursing care is a critical component of the healthcare system, supporting patients through complex medical needs with the expertise and compassion of trained healthcare professionals.

Skilled Nursing Care Options

Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs)

Skilled nursing care is often associated with skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), also known as nursing homes. These facilities offer the highest level of care outside hospitals and provide 24/7 medical attention. SNFs are ideal for individuals living with complex medical conditions requiring continuous care from registered nurses. Typical scenarios include:

Inpatient Acute Care and Rehabilitation: Patients receive rehabilitation services and acute medical treatment from professionals like nurses, physical therapists, and speech pathologists.
Complex Condition Management: Caring for patients with severe medical issues needing constant monitoring and medical intervention.
Short-term Stays: Many patients stay for a few months post-hospitalization to recover fully before returning home.

Home Health Services

For those needing part-time or intermittent care, home health services can be a practical option:

In-home Medical Visits: Licensed medical professionals visit patients at home to administer necessary care, such as wound dressing, injection administration, and more.
Support System: The success of home health services depends significantly on the patient’s living situation and support network. Those living alone might struggle without additional help.
Independence and Familiarity: Recovering at home offers the comfort of a familiar environment, but it requires patients to be motivated and capable of performing their recovery tasks independently.

As you evaluate your options, consider the specific needs and circumstances of your loved one to find the most suitable skilled nursing care setup.

Ascent Healthcare and Skilled Nursing Services

Overview of Ascent Healthcare

Ascent Healthcare is dedicated to providing top-tier post-acute care across Oregon and Washington. Specializing in collaboration with skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, and memory care through providing primary care, Ascent Healthcare is committed to supporting patients through complex medical conditions with a focus on recovery and quality of life.

Skilled Nursing Collaboration

At Ascent Healthcare, they provide comprehensive services and tailored to meet the needs of each patient:

Medical Directorship: Medical Directors at Ascent Healthcare play an active role in patient care by leading clinical teams, identifying educational opportunities, and spearheading quality initiatives to enhance patient outcomes.
Management of Medically Complex Patients: With a focus on medically complex cases, Ascent Healthcare professionals manage care from admission through discharge, ensuring patients receive continuous and effective treatment.
Coding Expertise: Utilizing thorough and accurate coding practices under the Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM), Ascent Healthcare maximizes facility reimbursement, ensuring sustainability and quality service delivery.

Primary Care and Community Partnerships

Beyond skilled nursing, Ascent Healthcare emphasizes coordinated care and strong community partnerships:

Coordinated Primary Care Services: Providing primary care to long-term residents in skilled nursing, assisted living, and residential care facilities. This includes routine and acute visits, Annual Wellness Visits, Chronic Care Management, and Advanced Care Planning.
Community Collaboration: Working closely with primary care clinics, Ascent Healthcare ensures continuity of care during transitions. They are also preferred providers for various regional health plans and participate in the Portland Interhospital Physicians Association (IPA).
Enhanced Connectivity: Using an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system designed specifically for the post-acute space, Ascent Healthcare enhances care delivery by improving efficiency and reducing errors.

Ascent Healthcare’s role in skilled nursing care underscore their commitment to innovation, value-based care, and compassionate service. Their specialized approach ensures patients receive the best possible care during their recovery and beyond.

Conclusion – What is Skilled Nursing?

Skilled nursing care plays a crucial role in providing medical support for individuals with complex and ongoing healthcare needs. It ensures that patients receive specialized care from licensed professionals, whether they are recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or needing help with daily activities.

The Role of Skilled Nursing in Quality Care

Skilled nursing encompasses a broad range of services, from intensive medical treatments in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) to part-time care through home health services and transitional support in assisted living communities. Each option has its unique benefits and challenges, making it essential to choose an option that best fits the patient’s medical condition, personal needs, and support system.

Finding the Right Skilled Nursing Care Option

Selecting the appropriate skilled nursing care is pivotal for the patient’s recovery and quality of life. The choice should be based on the specific medical needs, support requirements, and personal preferences of the individual. With various options available, from the comprehensive care provided in SNFs to the independence offered by home health services, families can find a solution that ensures their loved ones receive the utmost care and attention.

Ascent Healthcare sets a benchmark in skilled nursing care through its integrated and compassionate approach. By offering a range of services in multiple settings and fostering strong community partnerships, Ascent Healthcare ensures that patients receive tailored care that promotes holistic health and well-being.

Skilled nursing care is more than just medical intervention; it’s about providing a support system that helps patients regain their health, independence, and confidence. Whether you are seeking immediate care options or planning for future needs, understanding the scope and importance of skilled nursing care is the first step towards making informed and empathetic decisions for your loved ones.

FAQs – What is Skilled Nursing?

1. What is skilled nursing care?

Skilled nursing care refers to medical or treatment services provided by licensed nurses and healthcare professionals. This care is for patients who need continuous medical support for complex health conditions and cannot be served by non-medical caregivers.

2. Who needs skilled nursing care?

Patients needing skilled nursing care include those recovering from surgery, managing chronic illnesses, or requiring specialized medical treatment and daily assistance. This includes post-operative wound care, intravenous medications, and specialized therapies.

3. What are the different settings for skilled nursing care?

Skilled nursing care can be received in various settings, such as:

Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) for 24/7 inpatient care.
Home Health Services for part-time or intermittent in-home care.

4. How does Ascent Healthcare support skilled nursing care?

Ascent Healthcare offers comprehensive services including:

Medical Directorship and leadership in patient care.
Management of medically complex patients and ensuring continuous treatment.
Coordination with primary care clinics for seamless care transitions. They utilize an Electronic Health Records system for effective and accurate care delivery.

5. How can I determine the best skilled nursing care option for my loved one?

To find the best skilled nursing care, consider the patient’s medical conditions, personal preferences, and support system. Evaluate the care settings like SNFs for intensive needs, home health services for part-time care, and assisted living for a more residential environment with added support.