by Clark Finley, LPN//
Sometimes, following a surgery or other hospitalization, your physician may recommend that you transfer to a skilled nursing facility for short term healing, assistance and rehabilitation. In these circumstances, you are most likely to recover fully and return home.
However, in some cases, people reach a time in their life when they may need a skilled nursing facility for long-term care. For seniors or a physically disabled person to live alone without any assistance can be hard for them and their families. It’s at times like these when you could reap the benefits of a skilled nursing facility, whether it is for short-term rehabilitative care or long term custodial care.
Here are some benefits to think about when considering a skilled nursing facility:
Easy access to healthcare
Nursing services at a skilled nursing facility are available 24/7, 365 days a year, and the staff monitors each patient’s medical needs to ensure the appropriate care is given to the specific need.
In a skilled nursing facility setting, patients have access to their doctor or nurse practitioner much more frequently. Most seniors who live at home or in assisted living facilities may only be able to see their medical practitioner every three to six months.
Help with everyday life
Staff is skilled to assist patients with all activities of daily living. Certified nursing assistants are available to help with bathing, grooming, dressing, assistance in transfers and eating if needed.
Activity to keep you moving
Movement is key to maintaining good health. A skilled nursing facility is staffed with physical and occupational therapist, as well as restorative nursing therapist. Each staff member offers a range of activities to get you up and moving, including seated exercise and stretching, assistance with walking, exercise classes, and physical therapy/rehab programs.
Social and spiritual support
A lot of seniors in the community live alone and have very little contact with others. Being alone can lead to other medical conditions such as depression, however, a nursing facilities offer the opportunity to interact with others through games, religious services and other activities at the center.
In addition to social interaction, regular worship services, chaplains/priests, and other types of spiritual support are offered to support the residents’ spiritual lives.
Balanced diet and nutrition
Eating right makes all of the difference in maintaining great health. Not only weight wise but also concerning blood pressure and blood sugar. In most skilled nursing facilities, registered dietitians or certified dietary managers are on staff to assist in providing patients with the proper nutrition.
Clark Finley, LPN, is the community relations specialist at The Pillars of Biloxi. Reach him at (228) 623-6111.