Skilled nursing centers, or health centers, are designed for those who require 24-hour nursing care. Some may view a health center as a long-term living option, and in many cases, it may be. However, a stay at a health center can be for short-term transitional care for recovery from hospitalization after an illness, surgery, or an accident. It is important to understand and evaluate the reasons you or a family member are seeking nursing care, as different centers specialize in different types of nursing care. Some specialties include Alzheimer’s disease and other memory disorders, ventilator and respiratory services, rehabilitation therapies, subacute or post-acute care, and others.
It is best if the person considering moving to a health center can be involved in the decision-making process. Also, their medical provider is often the best source for recommending the center which best serves the resident. Others who can make an informed referral are social workers, hospital discharge planners, clergy, and other professionals familiar with health centers.
Before you tour a skilled nursing center, you should determine if the location is convenient for visits by family and friends, along with the resident’s personal physician, and the proximity to the medical clinic or hospital.
When you’ve narrowed the list down to just a few centers, the first items that should be confirmed are current state licenses for both the center and the administrator, and if the center is approved for Medicare and Medicaid programs.
After these items have been confirmed, choose three centers you would like to visit. It is best if you can visit at meal time—you will have the opportunity to observe staff interaction with residents, test the quality and service of the meal, and have the chance to speak with residents or their families.