Demystifying Skilled Nursing Care: What You Need to Know

There’s a lot to navigate when it comes to skilled nursing care — from understanding the differences between short-term and long-term care and being prepared financially, to knowing how to evaluate your options and be the best advocate for your loved one.

So, it’s not surprising that there are also many questions surrounding this specialized form of medical care, as well as a few misconceptions. Below, we’ve provided answers to six of the most commonly asked questions, so you’ll have a solid grasp of what skilled nursing entails and when it might make the most sense for a family member.

Question #1: What exactly is skilled nursing care?
Skilled nursing is an advanced level of medical care that goes beyond basic caregiving. Provided by licensed professionals including RNs, LPNs, and nurse practitioners, this specialized care addresses complex medical needs with around-the-clock monitoring of health issues, pain management, wound care, IV therapies, and more.

A skilled nursing environment is also specifically equipped for rehabilitation services after a surgery or hospital stay — providing the expert physical, occupational, respiratory and speech therapy that help patients recover and get back on their feet.

Question #2: When is skilled nursing care most needed?
Contrary to popular belief, skilled nursing isn’t just for elderly long-term care. Many communities like Westminster provide both long-term care as well as short-term rehabilitation for residents.

For short-term services, residents are typically in a skilled nursing facility temporarily to recover after surgery, an illness or a major health event such as a fall-related bone fracture, a stroke or cardiac failure. The ultimate goal for this type of care is to rehabilitate residents through appropriate therapies, so they can return home with regained strength and independence.

On the other hand, the long-term care provided at a skilled nursing community is ideal for those who have more complicated medical needs that go beyond what can be managed through home care — such as chronic medical conditions, chronic severe pain or permanent disabilities.

For a long-term need, recognizing when skilled nursing care is necessary can be a challenging and emotional decision. Just remember that it’s vitally important for a loved one to have the best care possible. And you’ll gain peace of mind knowing that they’re receiving expert assistance with activities of daily living, three nutritious meals a day, 24-hour medication management, and other critical support services

Question #3: What are the qualifications of a skilled nursing team?
The word “skilled” says it all. The broad range of specialists you’ll find at a skilled nursing community like Westminster gives you reassurance that your loved one is receiving the most comprehensive care tailored to their specific health conditions.
A skilled nursing team typically includes:

• Registered nurses (RNs) who provide 24-hour medical care, including administering medications, managing pain and wound care, and overseeing other treatments
• Physical therapists (PTs) who are highly skilled at helping patients regain mobility after fall-related injuries, surgeries or medical conditions like strokes
• Occupational therapists (OTs) who specialize in assisting patients with performing everyday tasks like eating, bathing and dressing
• Speech and language pathologists who work with residents experiencing difficulty swallowing or communicating

Other healthcare professionals on a skilled nursing team can include a medical director, registered dieticians, licensed social workers, geriatricians, certified nursing assistants, and more.

Question #4: What’s the environment like at a skilled nursing facility?
Many people think that a skilled nursing environment will feel sad and lonely when you enter, or may even feel like an extension of a hospital. This definitely isn’t the case.

Today, skilled nursing areas are thoughtfully designed to have a warm, comfortable feeling of home. At Westminster’s Arbour Health Center, we offer spacious private suites where residents enjoy chef-prepared cuisine that meets special dietary needs, as well as a variety of recreational activities and events. We know that it’s crucial to enrich the physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being of our residents — helping them lead fulfilling lives while providing the comprehensive care they need.

Question #5: How can I stay involved in my family member’s care?
Remember: even if your loved one is in a skilled nursing community, your role is still extremely important because you are now serving as a bridge between them and their medical team.

You can stay actively involved by:

• Advocating for your loved one’s care. Participating in meetings and staying informed and engaged with the care process is reassuring to your loved one. Be sure to keep an open line of communication with doctors, nurses and therapists, and ask questions so you can thoroughly understand their treatment plan.
• Providing emotional support. It’s not just about the medical care. Ensuring that your loved one is emotionally supported is also essential for their overall well-being. Regular visits and conversations can provide the comfort they need to adjust to their new surroundings, and it gives you the opportunity to encourage them to engage in social activities.
• Observing the quality of their care. Visiting frequently makes it easier to ensure that your skilled nursing team remains aligned with your loved one’s needs, and allows you to be proactive about any concerns or noticeable changes in their condition.

Question #6: How can I plan for skilled nursing care expenses?
Planning ahead wouldn’t be possible without having an understanding of the financial side of skilled nursing care. It’s important to discuss costs beforehand, so you can prevent unexpected financial strain and explore options for financial assistance if needed.

Various payment options are available:

• Medicare. This federal health insurance program provides healthcare benefits to all Americans aged 65 and over. After a doctor referral and a qualifying hospital stay (at least three days), Medicare covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing care — typically at 100% for 20 days, and then 80% for each subsequent day until they reach 100 days.
• Private long-term care insurance. This health insurance option covers custodial skilled nursing care, but each policy has its own eligibility requirements, restrictions, costs and benefits — so be sure to check with your provider to understand what’s included.
• Out of pocket. For those without insurance coverage, or if their insurance coverage has run out, out-of-pocket payments for skilled nursing care may be required. Costs vary by location, level of care and facility, so it’s a good idea to discuss these upfront to know what to expect.

Skilled nursing care isn’t just about medical treatment. It’s about ensuring that your loved one continues to live with dignity and receives the expert support they need. At Westminster, we combine compassion with advanced nursing competency — and we always place your loved one’s needs at the center of everything we do.

Have more questions about our skilled nursing care? We’re happy to answer them, and we’d love to tell you more about our world-class community in Austin. Get in touch with us today to schedule an in-person experience!