Types of Skilled Nursing Care

When choosing the type of nursing care your loved one needs, one of the most common questions people ask is what kind of care will better suit the patient’s needs. Different nursing options offer different degrees of care, so it is essential to know how they differ from one another to make the best decision.

Long-Term Acute Care (LTAC) facility

This term refers to facilities for patients who need specially designed care but are not ill enough to stay in the hospital or ICU. Instead, an LTAC facility continues hospital-level care in a longer-term setting and provides services for patients with unique or sophisticated medical requirements. For example, complex wounds or burn care, management of comorbid medical conditions, respiratory therapy or ventilator weaning, or severe brain injuries.

Most patients at LTAC facilities will see a physician every day, and they commonly stay at the facility for several weeks. Admission usually requires medical documentation that proves the patient has a complicated recovery ahead that will need long-term inpatient treatment.

Long-Term Care Facility (LTCF)

It means 24-hour care providing services such as nursing care, medical oversight, restorative therapies, meals, and social services, and it is typically thought of as custodial care. It is fitting for patients who have reached their full potential after experiencing an acute illness.

Only some people are admitted directly to LTCF. Even after attending intensive therapy, the patient still requires assistance with self-care and daily activities such as eating, grooming, using the bathroom, and dressing. Therefore, patients requiring long-term care must meet strict criteria before placement is considered. Proof of medical necessity is required.

Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)

When patients require specific medical care and support requirements but do not need intensive acute care, they can go to a skilled nursing facility. A skilled nursing facility will allow a certain measure of independence while maintaining 24/7 care.

It offers more than just custodial care since it provides specific medical care regarding health conditions, injuries, and procedures for patients who have suffered joint replacements, heart attacks or shock, sepsis and kidney and urinary infections, hip or femur fractures, or surgeries.

Nursing facilities offer various health and personal care services, including care for older people, 24-hour supervision, and help with daily activities. Rehabilitation services are also provided, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

The patients stay an average of four weeks but can last for as long as they need care. Skilled nursing facilities benefit many patients by delivering quality care and condition management. However, a skilled nursing facility cannot provide the intensive therapy or control required for some patients, and they would be better at home.

Skilled Nursing At Home (SNH)

Some patients are more independent than others or may not require specialized treatment or medical equipment for their follow-up. So, getting skilled nursing care wherever they can call home is also possible. For example, a registered nurse may visit daily or every other day. Some of the activities in-home skilled nurses may help with are:

Medicare or private health insurance policies might cover expenses when a doctor prescribes these and other skilled care services.

The advantage of home care is that it can be delivered practically anywhere at any time. We go through an extensive matchmaking process to pair our patients with a registered nurse who will assess their homes and needs and make a customized care plan that works and caters to the mind, body, and spirit. It keeps the patients comfortable to decrease confusion and anxiety. Home care is proven to be an excellent way to manage chronic conditions and reduce expensive hospital visits, and it provides both medical and personal care services.

Some things should be considered if you’re looking for care for your loved one, such as the patient’s treatment plan and specific needs. Ask your physician for advice on which type of care your loved one needs.

At Signature Health Services, we will be happy to assist you with any concerns regarding nursing care. Call us today, and we will work alongside your doctor to see if we are a good fit for you. We are sure our skilled and registered nurses and licensed therapist can be an excellent choice for you.