Skilled nursing facilities cater to people who need an enhanced level of care. Many of the staff members in a skilled nursing facility are registered nurses and doctors. Unlike traditional nursing homes, which may house people who are largely independent, the patients in skilled nursing facilities require an exceptional level of care. Skilled nursing facilities house many temporary residents. Some people only require skilled nursing care for a limited amount of time while recovering from a medical procedure, illness, or injury. Here are four aspects of skilled nursing care that you can expect in such a facility:
1. Wound Care
The most basic wound care can be performed at home. However, more extensive wound care is best left to the professionals. Following a serious injury, steps must be taken to prevent infection. The staff in a skilled nursing facility will care for your wounds by changing your bandages as necessary. Doctors and nurses will administer antibiotics if needed, and they can also remove your stitches when the time comes. Patients who receive excellent wound care are more likely to heal without complications.
2. Intravenous Medication Administration
Medication is often administered orally. However, sometimes intravenous medication is more effective. If a person is unconscious or unable to swallow, intravenous medication is the best option. Antibiotics administered through an IV line can fight off infection more quickly, which is important when someone is seriously ill. The staff members in a skilled nursing facility can start IV lines as needed. Experienced nurses can make the IV procedure fast and painless, so you won't have to worry about additional discomfort.
3. Personal Hygiene Assistance
The nurses at a skilled nursing facility can also help residents maintain their personal hygiene. Nurses may install a catheter to help patients who either cannot eliminate waste on their own or cannot get out of bed. Nursing staff will monitor and change catheter bags and catheter lines as needed. Sponge baths can also be provided for patients who are unable to bathe themselves.
4. Physical Therapy
After an illness or injury, the road to recovery is often long and difficult. Many people lose muscle mass and dexterity during their convalescence. Physical therapy is necessary to rebuild the strength that you lost following an accident or surgery. Many skilled nursing facilities employ physical therapists who can help residents onsite. The ability to attend physical therapy sessions without traveling long distances can make recovery more accessible.
Contact a care center for more information about skilled nursing services.
Share4 November 2020
When your parents, grandparents, or other loved ones need a bit of extra help, you want to ensure that they are getting the best care possible. That means you need to help them pick out the right nursing home or assisted living facility. On top of that, you need to understand other elements of elder care such as living wills, healthcare directives, power of attorneys, and related elements. This blog takes you through all of it. Just as your parents probably referred to a book once in a while to get tips on how to care for you when you were a baby, you may need some tips and guidance to take care of them. This blog is designed to fill that role.