What is Skilled Nursing?
Skilled nursing provides an experienced level of care from those with advanced medical training who hold certain certifications. This includes registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, speech/language pathologists, physical therapists, or occupational therapists.
The term “skilled nursing” may be most commonly associated with a skilled nursing facility — a specific type of inpatient rehab and medical treatment facility. Skilled nursing facilities support patients leaving the hospital after an accident or surgery who need specialized care before they can return home. However, skilled nursing is also offered in hospitals, assisted living communities, nursing homes, and at a patient’s home. At Dignity, our skilled nursing services are offered as the cornerstone of care for both hospice and home health care.
How Do I Choose Between In-Home Nursing Care and a Skilled Nursing Facility?
Plenty of factors affect whether or not a skilled nursing facility or at-home nursing care is right for your loved one. Your loved one’s home or living environment, access to caregivers and other family or friends, illness severity, and the type of medical care they need will impact this decision. Our team is here to offer support as you make that decision; we encourage you to connect with us early on in your decision-making process. We can answer questions you may have about costs, care expectations, and more, so you can feel confident making the best decision for you and your loved one — whether that be choosing a facility or choosing an at-home service.
Because skilled nursing is a highly regulated service, overseen by the Department of Public Health and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the standards for care are high. Many people wonder about the quality of care when considering a skilled nursing home care team. However, it’s important to know that a home care nurse brings the same level of knowledge and skill to your loved one’s care as a nurse in a nursing home or skilled nursing facility. No matter which option you choose, skilled nursing is a service you can trust will give your loved one the best possible care.
Our Compassionate, Capable At-Home Nursing Care Team
Our skilled nursing team includes more than just registered nurses. We have a comprehensive team of medical professionals — overseen by our home health and hospice physician — who can help your loved one through their rehabilitation journey, no matter the condition or injury they face:
Registered Nurses
Licensed Practical Nurses
Speech/Language Pathologists
Licensed Vocational Nurses
Physical Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Services We Offer
At Dignity Home Health & Hospice, our skilled nursing care includes the following services as part of either a home health or hospice care program:
- Hands-on, one-on-one nursing support
- Ongoing health assessments
- Management of various medical equipment and education on proper use for patients, caregivers, and families
- Intravenous drug therapy
- Catheter management and care
- Wound care
- Speech therapy, physical therapy, or occupational therapy
- Blood draws and injections
- Medication management
- Rehabilitation
- Ongoing communication with the patient’s physician, as well as family and caregivers