Skilled nursing care refers to a specialized form of medical care provided by registered nurses and other healthcare professionals, typically in skilled nursing facilities. It’s designed for individuals who need ongoing medical supervision and treatments that cannot be adequately managed without professional assistance.

At APEX Health Services in Chicago, we focus on addressing every aspect of our clients’ healthcare needs and providing skilled home nursing care. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of nursing care, its qualifications, and the various services it includes.

What Is Skilled Nursing Care?

Skilled nursing services involve medical care or treatment that can only be performed by licensed nurses or other licensed healthcare professionals. It requires specialized knowledge, skills, and judgment. Unlike custodial care, which focuses on daily living activities, skilled nursing care addresses complex medical conditions and requires ongoing monitoring and evaluation.

A staggering statistic highlights the importance of skilled nursing care: According to the National Center for Health Statistics, in 2020, 1.3 million Americans resided in skilled nursing facilities, and 3.0 million patients received home health care during the year.

Skilled Nursing Qualifications

Skilled nursing care isn’t for everyone. Determining whether a patient qualifies for skilled nursing care involves a comprehensive assessment of their medical condition. Key factors considered include the following:

1. Medical Diagnosis

Patients with acute or chronic conditions needing ongoing medical management are typically candidates for skilled nursing care. These conditions can range from post-surgical recovery to managing chronic diseases like diabetes, heart failure, or Parkinson's disease. The complexity and severity of the medical condition play an important role in determining the need for skilled nursing intervention.

2. Skill Level of Care

A patient's need for skilled nursing care is often determined by how complex their care requirements are. If the patient's needs exceed the capabilities of family members or caregivers, skilled nursing intervention may be needed. This includes tasks such as administering medications, wound care, monitoring vital signs, and providing specialized treatments that require medical expertise.

3. Frequency of Care

The frequency and intensity of required medical interventions are key factors in determining the need for skilled nursing care. Patients who need frequent skilled nursing visits or continuous monitoring may benefit from this level of care. For example, individuals with unstable medical conditions, such as those recovering from a stroke or major surgery, may need round-the-clock skilled nursing supervision.

4. Medical Equipment

On a similar note, patients requiring specialized medical equipment or monitoring often qualify for skilled nursing care. This equipment may include ventilators, infusion pumps, or complex wound care dressings. Skilled nurses are trained to operate and manage this equipment safely and effectively.

5. Physician's Orders

A physician's order is typically needed to initiate skilled nursing care. The doctor will assess the patient's condition and determine the specific services needed. The physician's order outlines the goals of care and provides guidance for the skilled nursing team.

It's essential to note that eligibility for skilled nursing care is often determined by insurance providers, such as Medicare and Medicaid. These programs have specific criteria that must be met.

Understanding Your Care Settings

Despite how it sounds, not all care facilities offer the same level of attention and expertise. Choosing the right care setting is an important decision for individuals needing skilled nursing care. Let's explore the primary options and their key characteristics.

Home Health Care

• Level of care: Skilled nursing care provided in the comfort of the patient's home, allowing for continued independence and familiar surroundings.
• Staffing: Licensed nurses, therapists, and certified home health aides visit the patient's home to provide care.
• Services: Medical treatments, therapies, wound care, medication management, assistance with ADLs, and education for caregivers.

Skilled Nursing Care Facilities (SNFs)

• Level of care: 24/7 skilled nursing care, designed for individuals with complex medical needs.
• Staffing: Registered nurses, therapists, and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) provide comprehensive care.
• Services: Medical treatments, therapies (physical, occupational, speech), wound care, medication management, help with activities of daily living (ADLs), and more.

Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs)

• Level of care: Non-medical assistance with daily living activities, ideal for individuals who need support but don’t need constant medical supervision.
• Staffing: Caregivers and nurses (for medication management) are typically available.
• Services: Assistance with bathing, dressing, meals, medication reminders, social activities, and some monitoring.

Examples of Skilled Nursing Care Provided at Home

Skilled nursing care encompasses a range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of patients. We’ve highlighted some common examples:

1. Speech Therapy

Speech therapy focuses on improving communication and swallowing abilities. It’s often recommended for individuals who have experienced strokes, brain injuries, or neurological disorders. Skilled speech therapists develop personalized treatment plans to address speech, language, and swallowing difficulties.

2. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy aims to restore mobility, strength, and function. It benefits patients recovering from surgeries, injuries, or chronic conditions. Physical therapists provide exercises, manual therapy, and other interventions to help patients regain independence and improve their quality of life.

3. Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy helps individuals develop skills needed for daily living activities. It focuses on improving fine motor skills, coordination, and independence. Occupational therapists often work with patients who have experienced strokes, spinal cord injuries, or orthopedic conditions.

4. Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is a comprehensive approach to restoring function and independence after an illness or injury. It may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other specialized treatments. Rehabilitation programs are designed to help patients achieve their maximum potential.

5. Wound Care

Wound care involves the management of acute or chronic wounds. Skilled nurses provide specialized wound care treatments, including cleaning, dressing, and monitoring wound progression. They also educate patients on wound care best practices.

6. Post-Surgery Care / Orthopedic Care

Post-surgery care requires specialized nursing expertise to manage pain, prevent complications, and promote healing. Orthopedic care focuses on musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. Skilled nurses provide wound care, medication management, and mobility assistance for patients undergoing orthopedic procedures.

7. Chronic Disease Management

Chronic disease management involves ongoing care for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disorders, and others. Skilled nurses monitor vital signs, administer medications, and provide education to help patients manage their chronic conditions effectively.