Myths and Misconceptions About Skilled Nursing
Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) offer the highest level of care one can receive without being in a hospital. A referral to a SNF generally occurs after discharge from an inpatient stay in the hospital – when the patient still needs medical care but is not yet safe enough to return home. Skilled nursing facilities play an essential role in healthcare but sometimes have a negative reputation. This article debunks five common myths and misconceptions surrounding SNFs.
Myth 1: Skilled Nursing Facilities and Nursing Homes Are The Same
It is a common misunderstanding that skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes have little difference. This is untrue as they have many elements that differentiate them. While these two types of facilities operate under the same type of license, they typically have different goals and offer different services. Nursing homes are a longer, often permanent placement for an individual who needs intensive medical and custodial care 24 hours a day. SNFs provide a temporary residence option for people actively receiving medically necessary rehabilitation/recovery treatment.
The focus of the healthcare providers in a skilled nursing facility is on helping patients regain independence to return home. The average length of stay in a SNF varies based on an individual’s needs but is typically from a few weeks to a few months. This is in stark contrast to the average length of stay in nursing homes, which is around a year.
Myth 2: Residents at Skilled Nursing Facilities Will Get a New Form of Sickness
Skilled nursing facilities are heavily regulated. A large part of regulatory rules regarding these facilities has to do with cleaning protocols and infection control measures. All employees receive training in proper hygiene methods and use personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize the risk of infection. The State Department of Health, CDC, and other federal organizations conduct annual surveys on skilled nursing facilities to ensure continual compliance.
Along with infection control and cleaning standards, these facilities are required to have safety protocols in place regarding situations that could be harmful to the residents. These measures include protocols for preventing falls and bed sores. Additionally, SNFs implement safety measures for medication disbursement to minimize the chance of harmful side effects or interactions with other drugs.
Myth 3: Skilled Nursing Facilities Do Not Offer Privacy
Skilled nursing facilities provide residents with private or semi-private rooms where they are encouraged to decorate to their desire and bring items from home. Private rooms allow residents to maintain personal space and dignity while in SNF care.
All staff at a skilled nursing facility are trained to respect the privacy of the people in the care. No one will enter a resident’s room without knocking first, even if the door is open.
Myth 4: People Who Have Care Available at Home Do Not Need Skilled Nursing
Even if a senior has wonderful, loving care available at home, it cannot match the level of care provided in a SNF. Skilled nursing facilities provide access to medical specialists, and other non-medical care, 24 hours a day. Without an SNF, the burden of this 24/7 care falls entirely on loved ones.
In a skilled nursing facility, residents who need it receive specialized therapy services such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy without needing to coordinate multiple schedules and invite a stranger into their home. Also, access to advanced therapies, treatments, or equipment is immediately available, if necessary. This ensures that residents receive comprehensive treatment tailored to their specific medical needs. And this level of advanced, specialized care may not be available with home care alone.
Myth 5: Residents Have No Autonomy
The primary goal of staff in a skilled nursing facility is to rehabilitate residents back to independence and return home. It would be contrary to this goal to take their decision-making away. Residents are involved in their healthcare decisions by deciding which doctors to see. They are encouraged to participate in reviewing and developing their care and discharge plans. Also, residents are free to refuse medication or treatment.
Additionally, residents choose which activities they take part in; choose their meals; choose what they would like to wear that day; and choose who visits them. Also, residents can leave their rooms at any time as SNFs provide designated areas for activities, socializing, and dining. This high level of decision-making and autonomy over care is vital in respecting a resident’s dignity and independence.
Skilled Nursing at Centers Health Care
If you are looking for a skilled nursing facility in New York or New Jersey, Centers Health Care has you covered. We have SNF locations throughout these two states, including Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Rochester, Buffalo, White Plains, Deptford, and Hammonton.
Our skilled nursing facilities offer compassionate care and prioritize the well-being of every individual that’s cared for. Offering a wide range of health care services to meet the unique needs of those served including cardiac care, pain management, orthopedic care, wound care, and more.
Find skilled nursing center near you and explore the care options available through Centers Health Care.
