What Is Considered Skilled Nursing Care In Utah?
When someone you love faces a major health event, such as a surgery, a fall, or a serious illness, they may need more care than what can be provided at home. The first stop is often the hospital, but what happens after that?
For many people, skilled nursing care is the bridge between hospital and home. It allows people to recover from serious health events in a more supportive environment than at home or in a nursing home. Skilled nursing facilities provide 24-hour care from licensed nurses and provide access to medical teams around-the-clock.
But beyond this, how is “skilled nursing care” defined in Utah and what services are offered? You may even be wondering, “Who may need skilled nursing care?” When your loved ones are facing a major health event, it’s crucial you understand the different levels of care available so those you love get exactly the help they need.
At Monument Health Group in Utah, we deliver skilled, licensed medical care with the compassion and comfort every family deserves. Here’s how skilled nursing care differs from assisted living, what services are included, and how to choose the best facility.
How Is Skilled Nursing Different From Assisted Living?
In Utah, skilled nursing care is around-the-clock medical and rehabilitative care provided by licensed professionals, including nurses under the supervision of a physician or physicians. This level of care is designed for people who require ongoing medical monitoring after a hospital stay or during the course of a chronic illness.
For many people, skilled nursing care is the bridge between hospital and home. It includes services that can only be performed safely by a medical professional, such as IV therapy, tube feeding, and rehabilitation.
Assisted living is a type of care for individuals who can live mostly on their own, but need some help with the activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing, toileting, medication, and more. Assisted living communities provide a home-like environment, often including entertainment and activities, and most people in assisted living will remain there for the rest of their lives.
Skilled nursing care is different from assisted living in the level of care it provides. Skilled nursing provides professional medical services, such as IVs and catheters, for people who need constant medical management. It is considered a higher level of care, and most people who are in skilled nursing facilities will eventually be discharged.
What Services Are Included In Skilled Nursing Care At Monument Health Group?
Like assisted living, skilled nursing care provides help with the activities of daily living: eating, hygiene, laundry, and medication. But it also provides additional help that assisted living does not, namely intensive medical care.
In Utah, and at Monument Health Group, skilled nursing facilities provide services, such as:
- Wound care
- Medication management
- Pain management
- IV therapy
- Therapies, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy
- Tube feedings and catheter care
- Post-traumatic and post-surgery rehabilitation
Skilled nursing also provides care for the management of chronic conditions that need dedicated medical supervision. In all cases, skilled nursing care is provided by licensed professionals, such as nurses, doctors, and therapists.
When Is Skilled Nursing Care Needed?
Skilled nursing care is needed whenever someone needs around-the-clock medical care that doesn’t require a hospital. It may be needed for short-term rehabilitation, such as after a hospital stay, or long-term for those with chronic conditions.
Some situations that may call for skilled nursing care include the following:
- Post-surgery recovery
- Post fall or broken bone recovery
- Stroke rehab
- Heart attack rehab
- Chronic illness management
- Severe infections requiring an IV
- Severe neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease
- Those who need tube feeding
- Those needing rehabilitation after an accident
At Monument Health Group, we tailor all of our services to individual patients and create a unique care plan for each and every one of our residents that reacts to their unique situation. This helps to ensure everyone gets the care they deserve and supports the best possible medical outcomes.
How To Choose A Skilled Nursing Facility In Utah
Selecting the right skilled nursing facility is one of the most important decisions a family can make for their loved ones and that individuals can make for themselves. When selecting a facility, be sure to consider:
- Certification and licensing: Only licensed and certified facilities provide adequate and legal care.
- Quality ratings: The experiences of others will help determine the quality of care your loved ones are likely to receive.
- Specialized services: It’s important that the facility you choose offers specific therapies that may help you or your loved ones recover most effectively.
- A professional and compassionate environment: The best facilities combine excellent services with a friendly atmosphere of compassion.
Choosing the right provider matters for recovery and comfort. Families across Utah trust Monument Health Group for quality, licensed skilled nursing care.
Contact Monument Health Group For High-Quality Skilled Nursing Care In Utah
Skilled nursing care provides the highest level of medical support outside a hospital. It’s designed for people who need 24-hour medical care, and care is provided by a staff of licensed medical professionals.
If you or a loved one may need skilled nursing care now or in the future, contact Monument Health Group with any questions. We’re proud to deliver this vital service across Utah and look forward to serving you and your family.
