Choosing A Nursing & Rehab Center
KANE COMMUNITY LIVING CENTERS
Dec 13, 2024
Pennsylvania - Greater Pittsburgh Area
A skilled nursing facility is administered b6 professionals under the direction of a physician. Many facilities also offer sub-acute, respite, rehabilitation and other short-term care. Rehabilitation services can be especially helpful for individuals who are recovering from surgery, an illness or any other life-changing event. These communities service as permanent residences for those who are too sick or frail to live at home, or as temporary facilities during a recovery period. Some residents enter a nursing care for a short-term stay after a surgery or illness, while others enter on a more permanent basis.
Medicare, Medicaid, private pay insurance and personal assets are all used under various circumstances to pay for services in a skilled nursing facility. If a facility if is not certified by Medicare and Medicaid, the care will have to paid entirely with personal funds.
In general, Medicare pays for skilled nursing care following a hospitalization for the same illness or condition at 100% of the cost for days 1-20. Some long-term care insurance pays for nursing care centers; insurance payments are usually a fixed amount for a specified number of qualified days.
The basic daily rate is the standard charge the nursing care centers bills to all residents, which covers the fundamental services every resident receives, including rent for the room, housekeeping, meals and general nursing care. It is important to understand all the services that are not included in the basic daily rate.
Below is a checklist to review options:
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
• Are public areas and resident rooms clean and comfortable?
Is ample parking available for visitors?
• Are private rooms available?
• Does the community have a pet?
Does the community have safety features, such as handrails and grab bars?
• Are the exits clearly marked?
RESIDENT AND STAFF INTERACTION
How many Registered Nurses (RNs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are on staff?
• What type of education and training do staff members have?
Do all staff members undergo screenings and background checks prior to employment?
How does the community handle residents who need additional care and support?
Is there a care plan developed for every resident?
Are care plans reviewed and updated by providers and family members?
Is the interaction between residents and staff members warm and respectful?
What is the staff-to-resident ratio for each level of care?
Do staff members respond to residents' requests for assistance promptly?
What is the staff-to-resident ratio at night and on weekends?
CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE
What levels of care does the community offer?
Skilled nursing care?
Short-term rehabilitation?
Memory care?
LOCATION
• Is the community conveniently located for friends and family to visit?
Is the community near preferred medical providers?
OVERALL IMPRESSION
Does the community look and feel like a place you could call home?
Sources: www.whereyoulivematters.org, a resource powered by the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA) and www.medicare.gov, Medicare's Nursing Home Checklist
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