To read the answer to each question, please click on the question.
- What exactly is skilled nursing?
- What is the difference between skilled nursing (SNF) and intermediate care facility (ICF) care?
- When it is time to consider a nursing home for your parents or loved one?
- What can a newly admitted resident bring with her/him?
- Are there social activities?
- How big are the rooms?
- What happens if a resident has an emergency?
- Is it true that once someone is admitted to a nursing home they never leave?
- How much does skill nursing cost?
What exactly is skilled nursing?
Skilled nursing homes are residences designed to house and assist individuals who have health conditions that require constant monitoring and availability of medical personnel. Skilled nursing facilities, also known as nursing homes or extended care services, provide 24-hour supervision, meals, activities and health management support for their residents (long-term care patients).
What is the difference between skilled nursing (SNF) and intermediate care facility (ICF) care?
A skilled nursing facility is required to provide 24-hour skilled care. Residents of skilled nursing facilities need assistance with many aspects of day-to-day living and daily care. Skilled nursing facilities provide medical, nursing, dietary, pharmacy and activity services.
An intermediate care facility is required to provide custodial daily care. Residents of an intermediate care facility require less assistance with day-to-day living.
Please keep in mind, the levels of care will determine the extent of healthcare insurance coverage.
When it is time to consider a nursing home for your parents or loved one?
A nursing home may be an appropriate choice if:
- Both medical and personal care needs have become too great to handle at home or in another senior living community. This may be due to a recent hospitalization or a chronic illness which has gradually been worsening.
- Your parent or loved one needs a higher level of care temporarily after a hospitalization, but it’s anticipated she or he will be able to return to home or another facility after a period of rehabilitation and recovery.
What can a newly admitted resident bring with her/him?
The skilled nursing facility will provide all of the basic furniture your elderly parent/loved one needs in her/his room. However, to make it feel like home, we encourage families to bring personal items of the resident such as photos, a familiar bedspread and treasured knickknacks.
Are there social activities?
Yes. Leahi Hospital has a full calendar of activities and social events for residents, including arts and crafts, fitness activities, field trips/outings, singing exercises, stretching exercises, entertainment, musical and dance performances, games, trivia and volunteer involvement.
How big are the rooms?
The size and layout varies from nursing home to nursing home. For example, some rooms may be private and other shared. Rooms may have their own bathrooms or they may be shared with others. The best way to determine for yourself if Leahi Hospital is the best place for your parent or loved one is to schedule a personal visit to tour the facility. You might be surprised at how nice the accommodations really are.
What happens if a resident has an emergency?
Staff and trained personnel are available 24-hours-a-day to handle emergency situations. Leahi Hospital has arrangements with local acute hospitals and healthcare professionals for assistance with emergencies.
Is it true that once someone is admitted to a nursing home they never leave?
No, this is not true. Some illnesses or injuries have progressed to the point where both on-going medical and custodial care may be necessary through the end of life. However, many individuals are admitted to a nursing home for the first time after a sudden hospitalization, such as from a stroke or fall. In many cases, following rehabilitative care, the short-stay resident is able to return home or consider an independent living community or assisted living.
How much does skilled nursing cost?
The cost of skilled nursing varies depending on what level of care is provided and what type of accommodations you choose. Most seniors are unable to cover the costs their long-term care needs from any one source. Rather a combination of support sources – private funds, long-term care insurance and government assistance – is needed.
Medicare covers post-hospital, short-term skilled care only – and may not cover the cost of on-going nursing home care. For low-income seniors who meet eligibility requirements, Medicaid might pay a portion of the cost.