Navigating transitions can feel like being on a boat in an unfamiliar sea. The change can be frightening and overwhelming, whether for yourself or someone you love.
Skilled nursing facilities offer a wide variety of medical care and rehabilitation services. They may include physical, occupational, and speech therapy; rehabilitative treatments such as wound care; intravenous (IV) therapy and injections; and round-the-clock medical assistance.
Schedule a Tour
The decision to move a loved one into a skilled nursing facility Missouri is a big one. It is essential to visit multiple facilities and make a confident choice.
During your tour, observe the cleanliness of the facility. Also, note the rooms and furniture. Request to see a room similar to the one your loved one will be living in.
Note whether there is a curtain or divider in semi-private rooms. Also, look for mealtime seating arrangements for residents who cannot feed themselves.
Meet the Staff
A skilled nursing facility can feel like a home away from home. It can also feel like a place depriving your loved one of their independence.
When you visit, meet the staff and determine their roles. They can provide valuable information about the quality of care in a given facility.
If your loved ones enjoy hobbies, bringing them along can help make the transition easier. It can even keep them busy and engaged throughout the week.
Schedule a Visitation Routine
A skilled nursing facility (SNF) is the right fit for a loved one with a medical condition requiring around-the-clock care. Some people need SNF stays to recover from surgery or a hospital stay, while others live in SNFs for chronic medical conditions that they can’t manage at home.
Work with other family members to determine a visitation schedule that fits everyone’s needs. Consider your loved one’s energy levels and health, and aim for visits during the day when they are most energized.
Make the Visit a Special One
If your aging loved one suffers an injury or illness, they may need more intensive medical care than what can be provided at home. This is where skilled nursing comes in.
A skilled nursing facility is a temporary residence that prioritizes recovery and returning residents to their homes as soon as possible. It provides round-the-clock monitoring and medical care, which a doctor often prescribes. It offers more comprehensive services than assisted living or hospice care.
Make the Visit a Fun One
A skilled nursing facility, or SNF, provides around-the-clock care for seniors with complex medical needs. They are sometimes referred to as “nursing homes.” Sometimes, these stays are short-term, with the goal of rehab to return home or to an assisted living residence.
Other times, the stays are more extended, as they may need rehabilitation therapy for a chronic illness or injury. Medicare Part A typically covers the visit, providing residents with around-the-clock skilled nursing care.
Make the Visit a Comforting One
Keeping a consistent presence and schedule will help your loved one adjust. Visit at a time that works for both of you and attend social activities with them whenever possible.
A sense of loss is standard, as your loved ones leave behind their homes and familiar surroundings. Talking through these emotions and reaffirming their value will ease this transition. Visit as often as you can, and try to eat together during your visits.
Take Advantage of Social Activities
Many skilled nursing care communities offer a wide range of social activities. Whether it’s group exercise, arts and crafts, or games that involve talking to others, the goal is to help seniors connect and enjoy themselves.
It will take time for your loved one to break into the existing friend groups, so be patient. Observe their behavior and see what activities they like participating in. You can find new friendships for them that will make the transition easier.
Make the Visit a Memorable One
A quality skilled nursing community provides a safe and comfortable environment for residents. It is the best option if your loved one has complex medical needs that require around-the-clock attention from a registered nurse.
Observation can tell you much about a facility, whether in person or through a window. Pay attention to the cleanliness of the facilities and staff behavior. Do they regularly wash their hands and use hand sanitizer? Are they friendly and welcoming to visitors?