The majority of older adults require rehabilitation services when recovering. It could be from an illness, injury, or other medical procedures such as stroke or surgery. Rehabilitation helps them regain strength and the ability to move around. They are also able to refine both physical and intelligence functions.
Our goal at Bridge Care Suites when offering either skilled nursing and rehab centers to our guests is to help people recover and resume their normal lives. They offer similar rehabilitation services; the difference lies in the intensity of programs and therapeutic services.
It’s important to be aware of the differences between the two options. If possible, it’s advisable to discuss their features with a doctor before deciding on the ideal one for your loved one.
What Is a Skilled Nursing Facility?
Skilled nursing facilities offer housing for short periods, professional nursing services 24 hours a day, and medical care. They admit elderly adults who need rehabilitation when they leave the hospital.
They provide specific medical care for health conditions, injuries, and other procedures. A skilled nursing home offers care for patients who have suffered some medical conditions. For example:
- Heart attacks or shock
- Hip or femur fractures
- Surgery
- Joint replacement
- Sepsis
- Kidney and urinary infections
An attending physician conducts a comprehensive initial assessment within 30 days of admission into a skilled nursing facility. A registered nurse must be present for eight hours a day. Certified nurse aides sometimes evaluate patients. A registered nurse is available in the evening and off-hours.
Skilled nursing facilities offer services such as:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Social and psychological services
- Orthopedic rehabilitation
The elderly occupants have therapy sessions for about one to two hours a day. They also get personal care and help with daily activities like eating and using the bathroom. The staff consists of professionals such as certified nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses. They have registered nurses and physical, occupational, and speech therapists.
After evaluation, the staff comes up with a care plan depending on individual health and rehabilitation goals. It indicates the type of services the occupant receives and the intervals as well.
What Is an Inpatient Rehab Center?
At a rehab center such as Bridge Care Suites, residents of Springfield, IL get inpatient rehabilitation at special hospital units that specialize in rehabilitation services. The services offered are, for example, infection and general wound care.
They have nursing care, orthopedic rehabilitation, physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Inpatient rehab centers benefit people recovering from various severe injuries and impairments.
These are, for example;
- Brain injuries
- Neurological disorders,
- Multiple joint replacements and
- Fractures to the pelvis or lower extremities
Programs at Bridge Care Suites revolve around acute care. It’s intended for elderly adults in need of intensive treatment and recovery. Specialists integrate advanced technologies and approaches into the process.
They facilitate nursing care round the clock, seven days a week. Registered nurses and Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurses (CRRN) are responsible for the care of, for instance, older people who have experienced a stroke, traumatic injuries, surgery, or amputation. They require therapy every day to fully recover.
Rehabilitation centers have a minimum of three hours of therapy every day for six days. The aim is to promote quick, safe recovery. Inpatient rehab centers offer shorter stays compared to nursing homes. They are often between 10-35 days, while skilled nursing homes provide stays between 24 and 60 days. Inpatient rehab centers also offer meals, personal care, and they assist elders with daily activities.
When a patient leaves a rehab facility, they can go back home and opt for in-home assistance. They also can choose a nursing home or another permanent residential option, such as a senior living community. The state and federal governments regulate and certify inpatient rehab facilities such as the one we have at Springfield, IL. They must also adhere to some state and local regulations. Medicare covers a stay at these facilities for up to 100 days.
How to Choose Between a Skilled Nursing Facility vs. Rehab?
The choice of facility depends on the rehabilitation goals and needs of the patient. It’s important to discuss this with the doctor.
Some critical factors to consider when choosing between skilled nursing vs. rehab are;
-
Program Intensity
The doctors should outline the type of therapy required. They should also recommend at what intervals the therapy should happen, which will depend on the intensity of the programs available at skilled nursing and rehab centers.
-
Length of Stay
This depends on the period the patient is willing to stay away from home. Rehab centers have intensive therapy, hence shorter stays.
-
Access to Physicians and Specialists
Patients with complex rehabilitation needs benefit more at inpatient rehab centers. This is because they have access to physicians and specialists daily.
Physicians visit skilled nursing homes between one and three times a week to evaluate the progress based on the rehab goals.
Inpatient rehab centers depend on registered nurses who have specialized in rehabilitative services. On the other hand, skilled nursing staff usually consists of certified nursing assistants who train for long-term care. A licensed practical nurse or registered nurse oversees the team.
-
Costs and Coverage
In skilled nursing facilities, Medicare can fully or partially cover care. This depends on some factors, such as length of stay. At inpatient rehab centers, Medicare can cover partial or total care. Despite this, there’s a possibility the patient has to pay a deductible at the inpatient rehab facility.
The Bridge Care Suites offers short-term rehabilitation programs. It combines advanced technological capabilities with a highly skilled, hands-on therapy department. The Bridge Care Suites offers extensive therapy services to ensure a quick return home for loved ones who choose The Bridge. The entire staff at The Bridge Care Suites commits to seniors’ highest level of service and care.
All therapy services here are per the care path laid out by the physician or surgeon. Licensed medical staff and therapists often oversee all recoveries. They are instrumental in ensuring that the transition home is smooth and safe. The Bridge Care Suites short-term rehabilitation program provides the needed support and confidence. The therapeutic environment is friendly and encouraging for loved ones.
Schedule a tour to find out more!
