Skilled Nursing

Skilled Nursing Facilities may be freestanding, or part of a seniors community offering any or all of the following:

• Congregate or "Independent Living"
• Assisted Living
• A continuum of care.

Both freestanding and senior multi-level campuses (those which offer different lifestyles and/or levels of care to meet resident's needs) with a nursing facility generally accept residents for long term stays, as well as for short term recovery. Acceptance is based on availability, the nature of care needed, and ability to pay. For instance a nursing home may not accept an Alzheimer's patient, even though they are beyond the stage where an assisted living facility will accept them. There are specific Alzheimer facilities prepared to deal with the nature of care and attention needed.

Looking for a Skilled Nursing Facility?
Make note and compare:

• Is it well maintained inside and out?
• Is the decor pleasing and warm?
• Is the facility free from odors?
• If there are odors, are they handled quickly?
• Do all rooms have private bathrooms?
• Are there electric beds?
• Is the attitude of the nursing staff caring and friendly?
• Are meals nutritious and appealing?
• Is the kitchen clean and orderly?
• Does a registered dietician, or professional service, plan meals?
• Are there individual and group activities and a monthly calendar?
• Are arts and crafts offered?
• Are there special outings?
• Are non-Medicare patients allowed to visit home?
• Do they have an active volunteer visiting program?
• Do they provide in-house physical therapy?
• Is speech and occupational therapy available?
• Are therapists licensed?
• Are religious services, or transportation to churches offered?
• If privately owned, is the owner available?
• If managed by an outside service, how do their other facilities compare?
• What is the reputation in the surrounding community?
• How does the facility treat residents with similar needs?

You might use the following checklist to heighten your awareness of and what to look for as you assess various facilities. If possible, both the family and the older person should be involved in the decision-making process. The more an older person participates in the planning process, the better he or she will be able to adjust to the new environment.