Selecting the right skilled nursing home for your loved one is directly dependent on the type and level of care that they require. While most facilities that call themselves skilled nursing facilities do provide some level of 24 hour medical care, not every facility administers the same type and level of service.

Some skilled nursing centers specialize in the treatment of short-term rehabilitation care, while other centers provides services specific to the needs of patients suffering from acute long-term illness. When searching for a short-term or long-term care facility for your loved one, the level of care and service you can expect may include:

Intensive Skilled Care

Intensive skilled care refers to services administered to patients requiring specialized care. Patients admitted to skilled nursing homes that offer this level of care require constant monitoring, with complex medical procedures and services being administered by Registered Nurses. Examples of intensive care treatment include ventilator services, severe wound management, and tracheotomy care.

Skilled Nursing and Rehab Care

The type of care administered at this level is under the direct supervision of a licensed medical physician. In these units, services are administered on a daily basis by either a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse. Care can include long-term aid, but it is often provided to patients as part of the rehabilitation process from an illness or surgery. Examples of skilled nursing care include rehabilitations procedures, wound care, intravenous injections, and feeding.

Intermediate Care

Most patients receiving intermediate care from a skilled nursing facility are suffering from a long-term physical or emotional illness. Patients receiving this level of treatment are usually stable but require the periodic monitoring of a registered nurse. Examples of intermediate care include physical therapy, administration of medication, and periodic medical supervision.

Custodial Care

Custodial care refers to all the services administered in a skilled nursing center not directly related to the patient’s medical condition. While most skilled nursing facilities administer this service in conjunction with other levels of care, custodial care can be administered by non-medical personnel. Examples of custodial care include assistance with feeding, bathing and dressing. Contact Brookdale Senior Living today to learn more about how our Skilled Nursing Facilities and Long-Term Care Centers can meet your needs.

Source: http://www.brookdaleliving.com/care-levels-at-skilled-nursing-centers.aspx