When is Skilled Nursing Care Necessary?
Published on January 22, 2025.
We all hope we have the skills to care for our loved ones in their time of need. But modern medicine has become increasingly complex in the last decades. And that is something to celebrate! More babies survive childbirth, more people are living longer, treatments are more successful, and many conditions that would have been deadly decades ago are now routine practices in hospitals and other medical care facilities. This also means that many treatments to improve our loved one’s conditions are well out of our scope of expertise. After hospitalization or diagnosis with a serious medical condition, some people will need specialized care in a skilled nursing facility where staff is available on-site to deal with more complex medical care.
What is skilled nursing care
Skilled nursing care refers to a high level of medical care provided by trained health professionals, such as registered nurses (RNs) and physical, occupational, and speech therapists. Skilled nursing care is typically necessary when an individual requires 24-hour supervision and medical assistance, and it is often prescribed for rehabilitation from an illness, injury, or surgery, or for managing complex health conditions. This type of care is available in various settings. Short-term skilled nursing is usually rehabilitation of some kind after a surgery or injury. Long-term skilled nursing care happens in facilities where staff care for their patients while providing life-enriching activities and amenities for the duration of a patient’s life.
Conditions requiring skilled nursing care
Here are five conditions or situations that may require either short- or long-term skilled nursing care:
Chronic conditions requiring complex medical management: Conditions such as advanced diabetes, late-stage cancer, heart disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often require skilled nursing care to manage complex treatment plans. This may include monitoring vital signs, administering specialized medications such as insulin or intravenous therapies, oxygen, or ventilator care.
Post-surgical recovery: If someone is ready to leave the hospital, but not ready to go home, hospitals may discharge that person to a skilled nursing facility along with a detailed plan of care. After major surgeries such as joint replacements, cardiac surgery, or abdominal surgery, patients often need skilled nursing care to manage wound care, prevent infections, and ensure proper healing. Nurses provide professional dressing changes, pain management, and monitoring for complications.
Neurological disorders: Patients with conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis may need skilled nursing for rehabilitation, mobility assistance, and help with swallowing or speech therapy. Skilled care also includes managing medications and monitoring for any changes in the condition.
Severe injuries or trauma: Individuals recovering from severe injuries, such as fractures, burns, or head trauma, often require skilled nursing care for physical rehabilitation and ongoing medical treatment. This includes managing wounds, ensuring proper nutrition, and providing emotional support. Most, but not all, skilled nursing facilities offer rehabilitative care.
Chronic wounds or pressure ulcers: Patients with non-healing wounds, such as diabetic ulcers or pressure sores, need specialized care to promote healing and prevent infection. Skilled nurses are trained to assess and treat these wounds using advanced techniques and equipment, such as negative pressure wound therapy.
Skilled nursing care provides medical expertise and personalized attention to ensure optimal recovery and health outcomes in these complex situations.
Skilled nursing in Copley, OH
While we understand that needing skilled nursing care is rarely a choice, you do have a choice of providers. At Tranquility of Copley, we pride ourselves on our ability to provide top-notch skilled nursing care in a supportive and compassionate environment. Contact us or take a tour to learn more about our skilled nursing care services.