Skilled nursing facility: Learn what occurs from an inside view

[caption id="attachment_21700" align="alignleft" width="275"] Skilled nursing[/caption]

Judith Martin---A "Skilled Nursing Facility" (SNF) is place we will have to consider if and when we may need specialized treatment, post-surgery, rehabilitation, or other non-long term medical care. One of the best ways to learn about it, as with almost anything, is from an insider’s view, as this journalist discovered as a patient.

But first let's look at what the references have to say, so we all have the basics, as I learned both before and after my own experience.

Skilled Nursing

Skilled nursing, as defined by Angela Morrow, RN, in About.com, "Death and Dying",  is this: "Skilled nursing facilities, often times referred to as nursing homes, are residential facilities where patients can receive skilled nursing service 24 hour a day.

"Skilled nursing does not include palliative or hospice care services or long-term needs."

Rehabilitation Therapies

[caption id="attachment_21701" align="alignright" width="176"] Patient standing up[/caption]

Wikipedia, under "Nursing home", describes an SNF as "a place of residence for people who require continual nursing care and have significant deficiencies with activities or daily living.

"Residents in a skilled nursing facility may also receive physical, occupational, and other rehabilitative therapies following an accident or illness."

Equipment and Facilities

[caption id="attachment_21702" align="alignnone" width="272"] Patient learns to take stairs[/caption]

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, in "Medicare Coverage of Skilled Nursing Facility Care", state, "A Skilled Nursing Facility could be part of  nursing home or hospital. Medicare certifies these facilities if they have the equipment to give skilled nursing care and/or skilled rehabilitation services.

"Your doctor has ordered the services you need for SNF care..."

Now my hands-on experience expands what all this means

East Jefferson General Hospital, Metairie, Louisiana

[caption id="attachment_21703" align="alignleft" width="300"] East Jefferson General Hospital, exterior front[/caption]

At East Jefferson General Hospital, rehabilitation (inpatient) services are on the top two floors of the building wing seen to to the right. Here is an overview of what I saw and experienced there, when I was in rehabilitation from a hip replacement, earlier this year.

There occupational therapists teach you safe ways to maneuver around, including climbing  stairs (see Facilities and Equipment above), and fixing a meal in the kitchen. Physical therapists teach you exercises to build up strength.

[caption id="attachment_21704" align="alignright" width="300"] PT Rehab kitchen[/caption]

Upon your returning home, physical therapists visit you twice a week for four weeks to check on your status (blood pressure, oxygen intake), and to check on your progress with the exercises. After the home visits end, If you feel you need to, you may continue your physical therapy on an out-patient basis at a local gym. Or, you can continue with your exercise program right at home. Of course, your doctor will be scheduling regular visits for you to come in and see him.

Be sure to check your Medicare benefits or other insurance to find out other details about costs and availability.