Services Provided by Nursing Homes

<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dcr-apis/wp_contents/uploads/DCR-ADMIN/AdobeStock_273103708.webp" alt="undefined" style="height: auto;width: auto"/> Nursing homes provide a number of services to care for individuals who need around-the-clock nursing care. The following are some of the services you can expect to find at local nursing homes. Medicare Certified Nursing Homes Nursing homes that are Medicare Certified are approved by Medicare to provide services that can be paid for using Medicare funds. Not all skilled nursing centers are Medicare facilities, so if you or your loved one are a Medicare beneficiary and you expect your benefits to pay for the nursing home services, make sure the nursing care facility you choose is Medicare Certified. Medicaid Certified Nursing Homes Medicaid Certified nursing homes are certified and approved by Medicaid to house patients who rely on Medicaid to pay for their nursing home stay. Convalescent Homes Services Convalescent homes are live-in health care centers for individuals who are convalescing during or after an illness or accident, or who are being treated for a chronic disease. Convalescent homes provide medically supervised recuperation and healing including care by doctors, nurses and other health care staff 24 hours a day. Skilled Nursing Care Skilled nursing homes provide 24/7 nursing and health care for patients and recovering patients who need constant medical care but who have been released from the hospital. Skilled nursing care facilities are different from assisted living centers because while they may allow patients some degree of autonomy, they also keep patients safe and healthy by having around-the-clock medical supervision and nursing care. Physical Therapy for Elderly Individuals Patients at local nursing homes usually have physical therapists, occupational therapists and other movement specialists on staff to help patients and residents get back their strength after surgery or illness, or maintain their strength during their time at the nursing home. Physical therapy and other movement therapy may be part of the built-in cost of staying at nursing homes, or it may be an additional service. 24-Hour Medical Care Constant medical care and the presence of medical staff is the reason most residents choose a nursing home. Nursing homes have nurses, CNAs, doctors, therapists and other medical staffing on premises 24 hours a day, and may also have on-staff pharmacists and other medical professionals. Medication Monitoring Individuals in nursing homes often have been prescribed medications and may need help monitoring their medications and putting together a medication schedule. Pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and other medical staff help patients at nursing centers monitor patients’ medications to ensure they’re scheduled properly, given the correct medications for their needs, and are taking their medications on schedule. Surgery After-Care Some residents of nursing homes have checked in temporarily or for a short-term basis while they recuperate after surgery. Surgery aftercare services may include physical therapy and occupational therapy, medication management, doctor and nurse follow-up care, incision monitoring, pain management and other services specific to after surgery care. Recreational Activities for Nursing Home Patients Patients in nursing homes need social and recreational outlets to keep them healthy and happy. Recreational activities may include in-house activities or day trips to local stores and sights. These may include Bingo and other games, puzzles, recreation room activities, an in-house library, Wii and other video games that encourage movement, religious activities and worship services, teaching and learning activities, storytelling, meal preparation, gardening, homemaking assistance, exercise sessions, stretching and chair yoga, hobbies, veterans’ activities, wellness activities, support groups, volunteering, community activism, and more. Day trips may include shopping, sightseeing, community gardening, volunteering in schools and other locations, and other short trips to local arenas for residents who are healthy and well enough for travel. Long-Term Care Nursing homes are often built for long-term care of patients who need 24/7 medical monitoring and who cannot live alone. Long-term care nursing homes are those that plan to have residents stay with them for long stretches of time, including through the end of their life. These facilities often have varying degrees of care and services based on the needs of their patients.   <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.</a> Related Articles <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/Guide/Nursing-Homes/" target="_self">Your Comprehensive Guide to Nursing Homes</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top Rated Local Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>