What Is a Skilled Nursing Facility?
KANE COMMUNITY LIVING CENTERS
For more information about the author, click to view their website: https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Services/Seniors/Kane-Community-Living-Centers
Dec 16, 2024
Pennsylvania - Greater Pittsburgh Area
As individuals age or recover from serious medical
conditions, the need for specialized care often arises. A skilled nursing
facility (SNF) is designed to provide expert medical care, rehabilitation
services, and daily living assistance to help individuals achieve their best
possible quality of life. Whether for short-term recovery or long-term care,
skilled nursing facilities play a critical role in supporting patients with
complex medical needs.
Defining a Skilled Nursing Facility
A skilled nursing facility is a healthcare-focused
residential setting that offers around-the-clock medical supervision and
support. These facilities are staffed by licensed professionals, including
registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), certified nursing
assistants (CNAs), physical therapists, and occupational therapists. This
multidisciplinary team ensures residents receive the specialized care they
need.
Unlike assisted living facilities, which focus on providing
support for daily activities, skilled nursing facilities are equipped to handle
more advanced medical needs. They cater to individuals recovering from
surgeries, strokes, or illnesses, as well as those managing chronic or
progressive health conditions.
Services Provided at Skilled Nursing Facilities
Skilled nursing facilities offer a comprehensive range of
services to meet the diverse needs of their residents, including:
- Medical
Care
Skilled nursing facilities provide advanced medical services for individuals recovering from surgery, illness, or injury, or for those managing chronic conditions. These services include:
Wound care and dressing changes
Administration of IV medications,
injections, and treatments
Monitoring chronic conditions such
as diabetes or heart disease
Pain management
- Rehabilitation
Services
Rehabilitation is a cornerstone of care in skilled nursing facilities, helping residents regain mobility, independence, and quality of life. These services include:
Physical Therapy: To
assist with strength, balance, and physical function after surgery or injury.
Occupational Therapy: To
help residents rebuild skills needed for daily activities, such as dressing,
eating, and grooming.
Speech Therapy: To
address speech impairments, swallowing difficulties, and communication
challenges.
- Personal
Care Assistance
Skilled nursing facilities offer help with activities of daily living (ADLs) to ensure residents' comfort and well-being. These services include:
Assistance with bathing, dressing,
grooming, and eating
Nutrition and meal planning,
including accommodating specialized diets for medical conditions
- Long-Term
Care
For individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or advanced age-related conditions, skilled nursing facilities provide long-term care focused on maintaining quality of life, comfort, and dignity. - Specialized
Care
Many skilled nursing facilities cater to individuals with specific needs, such as:
Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
care
Parkinson’s disease management
Post-stroke recovery programs
Palliative and end-of-life care
- Emotional
and Social Support
To promote mental and emotional well-being, many skilled nursing facilities offer activities, group events, and counseling. These programs foster a sense of community and help residents feel engaged and supported.
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Rehabilitation Services Provided in Skilled Nursing Facilities
Rehabilitation Services Provided in Skilled Nursing FacilitiesRehabilitation services are a cornerstone of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), designed to help individuals recover from illnesses, injuries, or surgeries and regain their independence. Heres a closer look at the rehabilitation services offered in skilled nursing facilities and their benefits.1. Physical TherapyPhysical therapy is a critical component of rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities. It focuses on helping residents restore strength, mobility, and physical function after surgery, injury, or a medical event such as a stroke. Key aspects of physical therapy include: Strength Training: Exercises to rebuild muscle strength and endurance. Balance and Coordination: Techniques to prevent falls and improve stability. Mobility Exercises: Activities designed to improve range of motion, walking ability, and the use of mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs. By working closely with licensed physical therapists, residents can achieve improved independence and a better quality of life.2. Occupational TherapyOccupational therapy in SNFs is designed to help residents regain the skills needed for daily living. This therapy focuses on enhancing a persons ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, grooming, eating, and bathing. Specific interventions include: Adaptive Techniques: Teaching residents how to use assistive devices or modify tasks to suit their abilities. Fine Motor Skills Training: Improving dexterity for tasks like buttoning clothes or holding utensils. Energy Conservation Strategies: Helping residents manage fatigue and perform tasks more efficiently. Occupational therapists work with residents to restore independence and adapt to new physical or cognitive limitations.3. Speech TherapySpeech therapy addresses communication and swallowing difficulties that may result from strokes, neurological disorders, or other medical conditions. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in skilled nursing facilities focus on: Swallowing Therapy: Treating dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) to prevent complications like choking or aspiration pneumonia. Communication Training: Helping residents regain or improve their ability to speak, understand language, or use alternative communication methods. Cognitive Therapy: Assisting residents with memory, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Speech therapy improves both safety and quality of life by enabling residents to eat, communicate, and engage with others effectively.4. Specialized Rehabilitation ProgramsSkilled nursing facilities often provide rehabilitation programs tailored to specific conditions, including: Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: Combining physical, occupational, and speech therapies to address the multifaceted challenges of stroke recovery. Orthopedic Recovery: Rehabilitation for individuals recovering from joint replacement surgeries, fractures, or other musculoskeletal injuries. Cardiac Rehabilitation: Programs focused on improving heart health and endurance following heart attacks or surgeries. Neurological Rehabilitation: Care for residents with conditions such as Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, or traumatic brain injuries. These specialized programs ensure that residents receive targeted care to address their unique recovery goals.5. Benefits of Rehabilitation Services in Skilled Nursing FacilitiesRehabilitation services in skilled nursing facilities offer numerous benefits, including: Faster Recovery: Access to expert care and tailored therapies helps residents recover more quickly. Enhanced Mobility and Independence: Therapy restores physical function and confidence, enabling residents to perform tasks on their own. Improved Quality of Life: Rehabilitation helps residents regain their abilities, reducing frustration and fostering a sense of accomplishment. Preventing Complications: Therapies such as swallowing training and balance exercises minimize risks like choking, falls, and re-hospitalization.
Healthy Vision: Tips for Saving Your Eyesight
Our eyes are incredibly precious, yet its easy to take our vision for granted until problems arise. Lets focus on proactive steps to maintain and improve our eye health. Here are some tips to keep your vision in top shape:Schedule Regular Eye Exams:One of the best ways to safeguard your vision is by scheduling regular eye exams. Comprehensive eye exams can detect vision problems early on, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of further complications. Make it a priority to see your eye doctor at least once a year, even if you dont currently wear glasses or contact lenses.Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays: Just like your skin, your eyes can be damaged by the suns harmful UV rays. Whenever youre outdoors, especially on bright, sunny days, wear sunglasses that offer UV protection. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to shield your eyes from potential damage. Give Your Eyes a Break from Screens: In todays digital age, many of us spend a significant amount of time staring at screens, whether its for work, leisure, or staying connected. Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. To reduce eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.Eat a Balanced Diet:Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining eye health. Incorporate foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, such as leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, and nuts and seeds. These nutrients can help protect against age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.Practice Good Eye Hygiene:Proper eye hygiene is essential for preventing eye infections and irritation. Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses. Follow your eye doctors recommendations for contact lens care, including proper cleaning, disinfecting, and storage.Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to dry eyes, so be sure to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily to keep your eyes and body hydrated.Get Plenty of Sleep:Adequate sleep is crucial for overall health, including eye health. During sleep, your eyes receive much-needed rest and replenishment. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help reduce eye fatigue and maintain optimal visual function.By incorporating these simple yet effective tips into your daily routine, you can help protect and preserve your precious eyesight for years to come.Your eyesight is irreplaceable, so take care of your eyes today for a brighter tomorrow!
Moving Made Easy: Simple Tips for Seniors
Moving to a new home can be scary and stressful, especially for older people. But don't worry! Here are some easy ways to make moving day less scary and more fun.1. Pick the Right HomeFirst, choose a new home that feels good. Think about what you like. Do you want a garden view? Do you need help with cooking? Make sure your new home has what you need to be happy.2. Make ListsWrite down everything you need to do. This helps you remember important things. Start early and take your time. Don't rush!3. Choose Special ThingsWhen you move to a smaller home, you can't take everything. Pick the things that mean the most to you. It's okay to feel sad about leaving some things behind.4. Get Help from MoversHiring people to help you move can make things much easier. They know how to pack and move your stuff safely.5. Use Good BoxesUse boxes that stack well. Plastic boxes with lids are great because they're easy to pack and unpack.6. Say Goodbye to Your Old HomeHave a party to say goodbye to your old home. Take lots of pictures to remember it. This can help you feel better about moving.7. Think Happy ThoughtsMoving can be exciting! Think about all the fun new things you'll do in your new home. You might make new friends or try new activities.8. Pack a Special BagPack a bag with things you'll need right away in your new home. Put in things like:MedicineToothbrush and toothpastePajamasSnacks and waterThis way, you won't have to search through all your boxes on the first night.9. Make a Moving Day PlanPlan out your moving day. Know when you'll leave and when you should arrive at your new home. Don't forget to plan for breaks along the way.Remember, moving can be a big change, but it can also be the start of a great new adventure in your life!
Local Services By This Author
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Kane Community Living Center - Glen Hazel
Skilled Nursing 955 Rivermont Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15207Compassionate Care in Allegheny CountyCaring for elderly people and adults who need additional care has been the responsibility of Kane Centers since 1958. Kane staff understand the difficult process families endure when a loved one needs more care than their family can provide. Every day, Kane staff devote themselves to making this process of finding and acclimating to a skilled nursing facility a little easier. That means providing families with the security and comfort of the complete list of care services, highly qualified medical professionals, and plenty of friendly people always willing to lend a hand. There are four Kane Community Living Centers located throughout Allegheny County. Each center provides a close-to-home experience that keeps residents active physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.The centers are staffed by professional nurses, therapists, and aides, as well as a team of physicians who attend to the residents onsite.Each center provides a warm, comfortable environment including:Acres of landscaped groundsBeauty/barber shopsCheerful dining rooms and resident loungesComfortable, personalized roomsComputer and video game roomsIntimate sitting areasLarge activity rooms on each floorNonsectarian chapelsOn-site wellness centersOutdoor Courtyards and gardensCare and ServicesThe Kane Community Living Centers understand how difficult the decision for long term care can be. Watching a loved one who cares and has cared for you can be an emotional and stressful time. Many of our employees have experienced this decision with their elderly parents and relatives. Kane can provide services at this time that provide peace of mind for families along with personal attention to our residents on many different levels.No matter what type of care your loved one may need, we're dedicated to providing your family with peace of mind by offering our complete personal and professional attention on every level:24-Hour Skilled Nursing CareAlzheimer's and Memory CareCommunity InvolvementHospice CarePastoral CareRecreational ActivitiesRespite CareShort-Term RehabilitationSocial ServicesWound CarePatient Assessment via Telemedicine OptionResident CouncilAdult Education ClassesCommunity OutingsThe services and programs offered at Kane are designed to keep our residents functioning at the highest level possible and to help them be as confident, happy and independent as possible. We bring our physicians and specialists to our residents by utilizing our unique on-site Wellness Centers.Occupational therapyPhysical therapySpeech therapyAudiologyOphthalmologyMedical Specialty ClinicsTherapeutic RecreationX-RayLab and Diagnostic ServicesPharmacyQuality of CareWhen it comes to the quality of life of our residents, there's nothing we take more seriously. Our commitment to quality covers the full extent of our services, programs and accommodations. It's a commitment that is shared and embraced by every member of our staff: nurses, physicians, admissions staff, security personnel, volunteers and community groups.We take great pride in our high staff-to-resident ratio and our low employee turnover, and we relentlessly assure that all quality of care measures and safety regulations are met or exceeded. We support our residents' independence and strive to provide individualized care, taking each person's unique needs and life experiences into consideration. Every resident's family is given the opportunity to be included as part of the health care team and participate in treatment planning.The decision to choose nursing home care for a loved one can be a very difficult and emotional decision. The Admissions Coordinators at Kane Community Living Centers are available to answer questions and provide assistance with the admissions process. AdmissionsObtaining AdmissionAdmission to any Kane Community Living Center, as well as Kane's specialty units for short-term rehabilitation or dementia, can be as simple as a phone call. The Admissions Coordinators can determine if Kane can meet care needs by requesting some of the following information:Social security numberHealth insurance providerHealth historyThe Kane Community Living Centers accept Medicare, Medicaid, Highmark plans, UPMC plans, other private insurances and private pay. If an applicant is currently in the hospital, the hospital social worker/discharge planner can make the referral to the Kane Admissions Department.Contact the Admission CoordinatorsMonday through Friday from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, call 412-422-5263 (412-422-KANE). To make a referral on weekends, or between 4:00 pm - 8:00 am on weekdays, call the main number at 412-422-6800 and ask to have the On-Call Coordinator paged.
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Kane Community Living Center - Scott Township
Skilled Nursing 300 Kane Boulevard, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15243Compassionate Care in Allegheny CountyCaring for elderly people and adults who need additional care has been the responsibility of Kane Centers since 1958. Kane staff understand the difficult process families endure when a loved one needs more care than their family can provide. Every day, Kane staff devote themselves to making this process of finding and acclimating to a skilled nursing facility a little easier. That means providing families with the security and comfort of the complete list of care services, highly qualified medical professionals, and plenty of friendly people always willing to lend a hand. There are four Kane Community Living Centers located throughout Allegheny County. Each center provides a close-to-home experience that keeps residents active physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.The centers are staffed by professional nurses, therapists, and aides, as well as a team of physicians who attend to the residents onsite.Each center provides a warm, comfortable environment including:Acres of landscaped groundsBeauty/barber shopsCheerful dining rooms and resident loungesComfortable, personalized roomsComputer and video game roomsIntimate sitting areasLarge activity rooms on each floorNonsectarian chapelsOn-site wellness centersOutdoor Courtyards and gardensCare and ServicesThe Kane Community Living Centers understand how difficult the decision for long term care can be. Watching a loved one who cares and has cared for you can be an emotional and stressful time. Many of our employees have experienced this decision with their elderly parents and relatives. Kane can provide services at this time that provide peace of mind for families along with personal attention to our residents on many different levels.No matter what type of care your loved one may need, we're dedicated to providing your family with peace of mind by offering our complete personal and professional attention on every level:24-Hour Skilled Nursing CareAlzheimer's and Memory CareCommunity InvolvementHospice CarePastoral CareRecreational ActivitiesRespite CareShort-Term RehabilitationSocial ServicesWound CarePatient Assessment via Telemedicine OptionResident CouncilAdult Education ClassesCommunity OutingsThe services and programs offered at Kane are designed to keep our residents functioning at the highest level possible and to help them be as confident, happy and independent as possible. We bring our physicians and specialists to our residents by utilizing our unique on-site Wellness Centers.Occupational therapyPhysical therapySpeech therapyAudiologyOphthalmologyMedical Specialty ClinicsTherapeutic RecreationX-RayLab and Diagnostic ServicesPharmacyQuality of CareWhen it comes to the quality of life of our residents, there's nothing we take more seriously. Our commitment to quality covers the full extent of our services, programs and accommodations. It's a commitment that is shared and embraced by every member of our staff: nurses, physicians, admissions staff, security personnel, volunteers and community groups.We take great pride in our high staff-to-resident ratio and our low employee turnover, and we relentlessly assure that all quality of care measures and safety regulations are met or exceeded. We support our residents' independence and strive to provide individualized care, taking each person's unique needs and life experiences into consideration. Every resident's family is given the opportunity to be included as part of the health care team and participate in treatment planning.The decision to choose nursing home care for a loved one can be a very difficult and emotional decision. The Admissions Coordinators at Kane Community Living Centers are available to answer questions and provide assistance with the admissions process. AdmissionsObtaining AdmissionAdmission to any Kane Community Living Center, as well as Kane's specialty units for short-term rehabilitation or dementia, can be as simple as a phone call. The Admissions Coordinators can determine if Kane can meet care needs by requesting some of the following information:Social security numberHealth insurance providerHealth historyThe Kane Community Living Centers accept Medicare, Medicaid, Highmark plans, UPMC plans, other private insurances and private pay. If an applicant is currently in the hospital, the hospital social worker/discharge planner can make the referral to the Kane Admissions Department.Contact the Admission CoordinatorsMonday through Friday from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, call 412-422-5263 (412-422-KANE). To make a referral on weekends, or between 4:00 pm - 8:00 am on weekdays, call the main number at 412-422-6800 and ask to have the On-Call Coordinator paged.
Kane Community Living Center - McKeesport
Skilled Nursing 100 9th Street, Mckeesport, Pennsylvania, 15132Compassionate Care in Allegheny CountyCaring for elderly people and adults who need additional care has been the responsibility of Kane Centers since 1958. Kane staff understand the difficult process families endure when a loved one needs more care than their family can provide. Every day, Kane staff devote themselves to making this process of finding and acclimating to a skilled nursing facility a little easier. That means providing families with the security and comfort of the complete list of care services, highly qualified medical professionals, and plenty of friendly people always willing to lend a hand. There are four Kane Community Living Centers located throughout Allegheny County. Each center provides a close-to-home experience that keeps residents active physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.The centers are staffed by professional nurses, therapists, and aides, as well as a team of physicians who attend to the residents onsite.Each center provides a warm, comfortable environment including:Acres of landscaped groundsBeauty/barber shopsCheerful dining rooms and resident loungesComfortable, personalized roomsComputer and video game roomsIntimate sitting areasLarge activity rooms on each floorNonsectarian chapelsOn-site wellness centersOutdoor Courtyards and gardensCare and ServicesThe Kane Community Living Centers understand how difficult the decision for long term care can be. Watching a loved one who cares and has cared for you can be an emotional and stressful time. Many of our employees have experienced this decision with their elderly parents and relatives. Kane can provide services at this time that provide peace of mind for families along with personal attention to our residents on many different levels.No matter what type of care your loved one may need, we're dedicated to providing your family with peace of mind by offering our complete personal and professional attention on every level:24-Hour Skilled Nursing CareAlzheimer's and Memory CareCommunity InvolvementHospice CarePastoral CareRecreational ActivitiesRespite CareShort-Term RehabilitationSocial ServicesWound CarePatient Assessment via Telemedicine OptionResident CouncilAdult Education ClassesCommunity OutingsThe services and programs offered at Kane are designed to keep our residents functioning at the highest level possible and to help them be as confident, happy and independent as possible. We bring our physicians and specialists to our residents by utilizing our unique on-site Wellness Centers.Occupational therapyPhysical therapySpeech therapyAudiologyOphthalmologyMedical Specialty ClinicsTherapeutic RecreationX-RayLab and Diagnostic ServicesPharmacyQuality of CareWhen it comes to the quality of life of our residents, there's nothing we take more seriously. Our commitment to quality covers the full extent of our services, programs and accommodations. It's a commitment that is shared and embraced by every member of our staff: nurses, physicians, admissions staff, security personnel, volunteers and community groups.We take great pride in our high staff-to-resident ratio and our low employee turnover, and we relentlessly assure that all quality of care measures and safety regulations are met or exceeded. We support our residents' independence and strive to provide individualized care, taking each person's unique needs and life experiences into consideration. Every resident's family is given the opportunity to be included as part of the health care team and participate in treatment planning.The decision to choose nursing home care for a loved one can be a very difficult and emotional decision. The Admissions Coordinators at Kane Community Living Centers are available to answer questions and provide assistance with the admissions process. AdmissionsObtaining AdmissionAdmission to any Kane Community Living Center, as well as Kane's specialty units for short-term rehabilitation or dementia, can be as simple as a phone call. The Admissions Coordinators can determine if Kane can meet care needs by requesting some of the following information:Social security numberHealth insurance providerHealth historyThe Kane Community Living Centers accept Medicare, Medicaid, Highmark plans, UPMC plans, other private insurances and private pay. If an applicant is currently in the hospital, the hospital social worker/discharge planner can make the referral to the Kane Admissions Department.Contact the Admission CoordinatorsMonday through Friday from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, call 412-422-5263 (412-422-KANE). To make a referral on weekends, or between 4:00 pm - 8:00 am on weekdays, call the main number at 412-422-6800 and ask to have the On-Call Coordinator paged.