Skilled nursing offers 24-hour medical care by licensed nurses and support professionals. It’s the highest level of care outside of a hospital. A physician oversees the maintenance of the individual and trained staff assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and using the bathroom. They also provide physical, occupational and speech therapy.
Reputation
Whether your loved one needs short-term rehab after surgery or long-term care for an ongoing illness or chronic condition, you want to choose a facility with a good reputation. A great place to start is by asking your doctor or hospital discharge planner for a recommendation.
You should also tour the facilities in your area and ask plenty of questions about security, meal times, and other important aspects of your loved ones’ stay. If you hear any negative comments about a facility, speak to your doctor or call a lawyer specializing in elder law.
A strong understanding of Medicare and Medicaid is necessary when selecting a skilled nursing home. This will help your family make informed financial decisions and plan for future care.
Size
The location and size are important factors when deciding on a skilled nursing home facility Missouri. If the person needing care is a loved one, they may want to be close to family and friends. This will allow them to visit more frequently. It is also beneficial if the location is just a short distance from the hospital in case of emergency.
Skilled nursing care provides intensive medical management and rehabilitation after an illness or surgery. The Medicare-certified nursing homes must follow federal regulations. They are inspected unannounced to ensure compliance.
The state of Missouri is an attractive place for aging adults to retire and receive long-term care. Low housing costs and health care are just a few reasons the form is popular among seniors.
Staffing
The staff members at a nursing home will be the ones who are caring for your loved one, so their professionalism and expertise are important. During your visit, please pay attention to how they interact with one another and with residents. Look for whether they greet patients by name and remain calm under pressure.
Understaffing is associated with lower quality of care and poorer health outcomes for facility residents, including COVID-19-related deaths. Studies show that even a 20-minute increase in the amount of time per day spent by Registered Nurses in a nursing home is associated with improved health outcomes.
As of April 2022, new federal staffing standards require nursing homes to have a Registered Nurse on duty for at least 8 hours daily. Compliance will be monitored using daily payroll reports submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Amenities
When selecting a skilled nursing home, it’s important to understand the available amenities. This includes services such as physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapy, as well as regular monitoring by a registered nurse.
It’s also important to consider the lifestyle options available at a facility. Many of the top-rated nursing homes in Missouri offer amenities such as apartment-style living, daily social activities, and life enrichment programs. Many of these communities also assist with daily routines, including bathing and dressing, as well as housekeeping and laundry services. This allows residents to spend more time with family and friends while receiving the necessary care.
Cost
Several resources are available to help seniors afford nursing home care. Many are state and federal programs, such as Medicaid or Medicare. Others are private, including long-term care insurance policies or the sale of assets.
Medicare Part A covers skilled nursing facility costs for up to 100 days during a “spell of illness.” However, after those first 100 days, patients must pay out-of-pocket.
Many long-term care insurance policies cover nursing home care in exchange for monthly premiums. However, policies differ widely in terms of coverage and premium amounts. Contact your policy provider to discuss your options. You can also determine if you qualify for a state program to assist with nursing home costs based on your income. If you do, learn how spending down can help you gain Medicaid eligibility in Missouri.
