Understanding Skilled Nursing: What You Need to Know

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 INTERACTIONHow 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 LICENSUREWhat 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 IMPRESSIONDoes 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

Longmont, CO (May 28, 2024) The Peaks Care Center and Frontier Therapy of Longmont, a premier provider of skilled nursing and rehabilitation services in Longmont, proudly announces its recent achievement of a prestigious Five-Star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This esteemed recognition reaffirms The Peaks unwavering commitment to excellence in resident care and marks a significant milestone in its journey to set the standard for quality senior care in Colorado.The CMS Five-Star Quality Rating System is a rigorous evaluation that assesses nursing homes on various performance measures, including health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures. Achieving the coveted Five-Star rating underscores The Peakss dedication to maintaining the highest standards of care, safety, and overall quality of life for its residents.We are thrilled to receive this distinguished Five-Star rating from CMS, which reflects our ongoing dedication to providing exceptional care and support to our residents, said Julian Hazlett, executive director of The Peaks Care Center. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, who continually go above and beyond to ensure the well-being and comfort of those entrusted to our care.The staff at The Peaks Care Center prides themselves on its person-centered approach to care, offering a wide range of services tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each resident. From skilled nursing and rehabilitation to extended care, assisted and independent living, The Peaks is committed to promoting dignity, independence, and quality of life for all residents. The Five-Star rating from CMS serves as a testament of The Peaks continued pursuit of excellence and its dedication to enhancing the lives of seniors and their families.About The Peaks Care CenterThe Peaks Care Center and Frontier Therapy Center of Longmont is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center that provides short- and long-term care services. The Peaks also provides affordable assisted & independent living studios for adults 55+.  For more information or to schedule a virtual tour, please call us today: 720-635-4123, or visit us at www.peakscarecenter.com.

At Vincentian, Patient and Family Centered Care is a fundamental approach that shapes every aspect of healthcare delivery. This philosophy places individuals at the heart of all decisions and actions, recognizing that each person has unique needs, preferences, and communication styles.Core PrinciplesThe cornerstone of this approach is the partnership between caregivers, patients, residents, and their families. This collaborative model ensures that care is tailored to individual needs, promoting not just health but overall thriving.Understanding the Patient ExperienceTo truly grasp the patient and resident experience, Vincentian employs several strategies:Shadowing: Staff members may follow patients or residents throughout their day to gain firsthand insights into their experiences.Observation: Careful monitoring of daily routines and interactions helps identify areas for improvement.Continuous Learning: The organization maintains an open dialogue with those they serve, constantly adapting to feedback and new information.Practical ApplicationsPatient and Family Centered Care manifests in various practical ways:Personalized Scheduling: Therapy sessions are arranged around preferred mealtimes or sleep patterns.Tailored Welcome: New residents receive personalized invitations to activities matching their interests.Flexible Care Plans: Care routines are adjusted to accommodate individual preferences and habits.Fostering ConnectionVincentian recognizes that the need for human connection doesn't diminish with age or in care settings; in fact, it becomes even more crucial. Their approach emphasizes:Intergenerational Interaction: Programs that bring together different age groups, fostering mutual learning and growth.Holistic Wellness: Strategies addressing all aspects of well-being, from physical health to social and emotional needs.Community Building: Creating environments where residents don't just coexist but thrive together.Designing for Individual NeedsThe organization goes beyond basic care to create living spaces that truly feel like home. This is achieved through:Resident Councils: Groups that provide input on community decisions and improvements.Experience Workgroups: Teams dedicated to enhancing the overall resident experience.Adaptive Design: Spaces and programs that evolve based on resident feedback and changing needs.Inclusive EnvironmentVincentian strives to create an atmosphere that is welcoming and accommodating to all. This includes:Diverse Programming: Activities and events that cater to a wide range of interests and abilities.Accessible Spaces: Physical environments designed to be navigable by residents with varying levels of mobility.Cultural Sensitivity: Recognition and celebration of the diverse backgrounds of residents and staff.Continuous ImprovementThe organization maintains a commitment to ongoing enhancement of their care model. This involves:Regular Feedback Loops: Mechanisms for residents and families to share their experiences and suggestions.Staff Training: Continuous education for caregivers on the principles of Patient and Family Centered Care.Innovation in Care: Exploring new technologies and methodologies to improve care delivery and resident quality of life.By embracing this comprehensive approach to Patient and Family Centered Care, Vincentian creates a nurturing environment where individuals are not just cared for but truly valued and empowered. This model recognizes that each person's journey is unique, and by tailoring care to individual needs and preferences, Vincentian helps ensure that every resident can live their life to the fullest, maintaining dignity, autonomy, and a sense of community throughout their care journey.  Give them a call today to learn more about what makes them different.