What Life Is Like At A Skilled Nursing Facility

When you or a loved ones are considering entering a skilled nursing facility, the decision at first can seem overwhelming. There are many unknowns from the outside upon entering a facility like this, new schedules and routines to adjust to, and a new way of life that may seem scary at first.

But choosing the right level of care and care provider for yourself or your loved ones is one of the most important decisions you can make in your life. At Monument Health, we have a commitment not just to the health of our residents, but to educate our communities as well.

Today, we’ll demystify some of the questions around entering a skilled nursing facility, including what a typical day looks like, meals, medications, and therapies, social activities, and much more.

If you’re looking for skilled nursing in Utah, Monument Health is your premier provider of the best facilities the state has to offer.

What Is A Skilled Nursing Facility? 

A skilled nursing facility is considered one step down in level of care from a hospital. Skilled nursing facilities provide 24-hour nursing care to both short-term and long-term patients that need help with the activities of daily living, as well as complex medical care.

Unlike other residential care facilities, such as assisted living homes, skilled nursing facilities provide a higher level of care for patients with complex medical problems. For example, many short-term patients in skilled nursing facilities have just been discharged from the hospital and need additional therapies to return home safely.

Other patients may need around-the-clock care for the rest of their lives, due to chronic conditions or other disabilities. Care for these patients is focused less on therapy and discharge preparation and more on quality of life.

Care in skilled nursing facilities is provided by a team of highly trained professionals, including registered nurses and licensed therapists, often overseen by a physician.

Who Typically Needs Skilled Nursing Care?

There are two types of patients who need skilled nursing care — long-term and short-term patients. Long-term patients typically have a profound disability or chronic illness that requires 24/7 care. Most will stay in skilled nursing facilities for the rest of their lives.

Short-term patients are usually recovering from an illness or injury after a stay in the hospital. Many short-term patients are recovering from major surgery, such as hip or knee replacement, and can benefit from physical or occupational therapy before returning home.  

Life In Skilled Nursing: What Does A Typical Day Look Like?

Like other care homes, life in a skilled nursing facility delivers consistent routines that allow patients to recover properly or experience increased quality of life. Each resident at Monument Health facilities receives an individual care plan based on their needs. Schedules will vary based on this care plan, but most have similarities.

Residents will receive at least three healthy, tasty meals a day, plus snacks. Residents often participate in social activities, and short-term patients most often receive therapy services. The most common are occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy.  

Oftentimes evenings are more relaxed and are focused on leisure activities, such as spending time with visitors, recreational programs, and much more. This daily structure helps limit anxiety and fear by providing predictable routines, as well as setting residents up for success in their health goals.

How Are Meals, Medications, Social Activities, And Therapies Managed In Skilled Nursing Communities? 

One of the most important benefits of skilled nursing facilities is their integrated management of meals, medications, therapies, and social activities. All work together and are overseen by a physician and medical team to ensure you or your loved ones are getting the best and most comprehensive care possible.

Meals are always nutritious and tasty, developed by a dietician for health, and, in many cases, personalized based on individual needs. Licensed staff also manage medications to ensure dosing, timing, and correct administration is adhered to every time.

For short-term patients, therapies are often the centerpiece of care. Our therapies are designed to help residents restore independence upon discharge. For all of our residents, social activities are designed to help limit social isolation among residents and improve quality of life. 

Why Choose Monument Health?

Monument Health is your premier provider of skilled nursing and memory care services in Utah. Our facilities are state-of-the-art, conveniently located, and our fantastic and friendly staff is the jewel of our organization.

Call for a tour or ask questions to see what makes Monument Health different.