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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Helpful Books for Caregivers: Essential Resources for Support & Guidance
The books listed below are shared as helpful suggestions for family caregivers. While they are available for purchase on Amazon and other retailers, Seniors Blue Book does not endorse any specific title or author, nor do we receive compensation for listings. Our goal is simply to offer resources that may provide guidance, support, and comfort to those navigating the caregiving journey.1. The Caregivers Survival Handbook: How to Care for Your Aging Parent Without Losing Yourself by Alexis AbramsonFocus: Practical guidance and emotional support for caregivers balancing their own needs with the demands of caregiving.Why It's Helpful: This book helps caregivers maintain their well-being while managing the responsibilities of caring for an aging loved one.2. The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease, Related Dementias, and Memory Loss by Nancy L. Mace & Peter V. RabinsFocus: Alzheimer's care and dementia-related conditions.Why It's Helpful: A highly recommended resource for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's or other types of dementia. It offers practical advice on day-to-day care and understanding these conditions.3. Taking Care of the Caregiver: A Guide to Finding Balance in the Midst of Caregiving by Mary Ann ORourkeFocus: Stress management, self-care, and maintaining balance.Why It's Helpful: This book provides caregivers with techniques for managing stress and preventing burnout, which is vital for sustaining long-term caregiving.4. Caring for a Loved One with Dementia: A Mindful Caregivers Guide by Suzanne R. BarchersFocus: Mindfulness-based caregiving strategies for dementia care.Why It's Helpful: Emphasizes the importance of mindfulness for caregivers, helping them stay calm and connected while caring for those with dementia.5. When the Time Comes: Families with Aging Parents Share Their Struggles and Solutions by Paula SpanFocus: Personal stories from families navigating the caregiving journey.Why It's Helpful: This book offers real-life examples and advice from families who have been through the challenges of caregiving, making it relatable and practical.6. The Family Caregivers Manual: A Practical Guide to Caregiving by Caroline D. G. ArvidsonFocus: General caregiving tips and strategies.Why It's Helpful: A practical guide that covers various aspects of caregiving, including managing care routines, financial planning, and dealing with family dynamics.7. Elder Care Made Easier: Doctor Marions 10 Steps to Help You Care for an Aging Loved One by Marion SomersFocus: Step-by-step caregiving advice for aging loved ones.Why It's Helpful: Offers clear and concise steps to handle common challenges caregivers face, with advice from an expert in the field of aging and caregiving.8. The Caregivers Guide to Self-Care: 12 Strategies for Getting the Support You Need to Care for Your Aging Parent by Dr. Anna S. JohnsonFocus: Strategies for caregivers to take care of themselves while caring for others.Why It's Helpful: This book emphasizes self-care techniques and offers strategies to prevent burnout, which is common among family caregivers.9. What to Do When Im Gone: A Mothers Wisdom to Her Daughter by Susan OConnellFocus: Planning for the future, especially for caregiving for elderly parents.Why It's Helpful: A guide to making plans for the care of elderly parents and finding peace of mind when transitioning into this role.10. How to Care for Aging Parents by Virginia MorrisFocus: Comprehensive caregiving strategies and legal/financial planning.Why It's Helpful: Covers a broad range of topics that caregivers face, from legal considerations to managing medical care, making it a comprehensive resource.
Old People Are Cool: Tyler event celebrating senior citizens to be held April 25
On April 25, 2025, the city of Tyler, Texas, embraced a powerful and joyful message: Old People Are Cool. Held at Oak Hills Terrace Memory Care, the inaugural Old People Are Cool Day brought together residents, caregivers, and members of the wider community to honor the vitality, wisdom, and lifelong contributions of senior citizens. The event was more than just a celebrationit was a statement. As part of the growing Old People Are Cool movement, which began in 2021, the day sought to challenge ageist stereotypes and promote a culture of respect, inclusivity, and admiration for older adults. Rather than viewing aging as a decline, the campaign aims to reframe it as a vibrant, meaningful, and essential stage of life. At its core, the initiative stands against the quiet but damaging effects of ageismassumptions and biases that often sideline older people, making them feel invisible or unimportant. The Old People Are Cool movement turns that narrative on its head by shining a spotlight on seniors as dynamic individuals with rich histories, evolving dreams, and much to teach the younger generations. The Tyler event marked a public and communal affirmation of this philosophy. The energy at Oak Hills Terrace was electric. Music, laughter, storytelling, and multigenerational conversations echoed through the halls and outdoor areas. The celebration included engaging activities tailored to residents and guests alike, ranging from arts and crafts to dancing, games, and personal tributes. The mood was festive but also deeply meaningfulan intentional pause in daily life to celebrate those who have helped shape families, communities, and institutions. Sarah Klepfer, the organizer behind the event, played a key role in making Old People Are Cool Day an official part of the citys calendar. Through her efforts, a local proclamation was made to formally recognize the day, adding a civic stamp to what many already knew: seniors are a treasure, not a burden. Attendees expressed both gratitude and inspiration. For the older adults, the day served as a rare opportunity to feel publicly seen and celebrated. For younger community members and volunteers, it offered a fresh perspectiveone that emphasized connection, curiosity, and the wisdom that can only come from experience. The event also highlighted the need to strengthen intergenerational bonds. When older and younger people interact meaningfully, it helps dispel myths on both sides and nurtures a sense of continuity and mutual respect. By creating an event that welcomed families, students, and neighbors, the organizers helped build a stronger, more empathetic community. Old People Are Cool Day stands out not just for its cheerful tone, but for its deeper cultural purpose. In a society that often elevates youth and overlooks aging, this celebration encourages everyone to reflect on the full arc of human lifeand to recognize the inherent dignity and uniqueness in every stage. It calls on us to ask: What kind of society do we want to live in? One that silences its elders, or one that listens to them? Tylers embrace of this event could serve as a model for other cities. The success of the celebration suggests that many people are hungry for a new way to engage with agingone that honors legacy without reducing seniors to a single identity. Aging is not a punchline or a decline; it is a journey of growth, resilience, and continued relevance. As the sun set on April 25, the smiles and stories shared during the day lingered in the hearts of those who attended. For many, it wasnt just a nice eventit was a necessary one. It reminded everyone that aging is not something to be pitied or hidden, but something to be respected, shared, and yes, celebrated. With this years event making such a strong impact, its likely that Old People Are Cool Day will become a staple of Tylers cultural calendar in the years to come. And if its message spreadsas it shouldit could help rewrite how America sees and treats its senior citizens, one city at a time. After all, old people aren't just cooltheyre essential.
82-Year-Old Philadelphia Man Runs Blazing Fast 100-Meter To Win Legendary Race In Pouring Rain
At 82 years old, Domenic Stellato isnt slowing downhes speeding up. In a display that stunned spectators and inspired athletes of all ages, Stellato took home gold in the 100-meter dash for the 80-and-over age group at the prestigious Penn Relays. The event, which unfolded in the middle of a torrential downpour, showcased not just elite athleticism, but an unshakable spirit. The Penn Relays, held annually in Philadelphia, are one of the oldest and most storied track and field meets in the world, attracting elite competitors across all age groups. But this year, all eyes turned to an unlikely star: a local octogenarian who sprinted into history. Stellato, a Philadelphia native, clocked an astonishing 16.02 seconds in the 100 metersan achievement remarkable not only for his age, but for the brutal weather conditions that plagued the meet that day. Rain poured relentlessly onto Franklin Field, drenching competitors and soaking the track, yet Stellato powered forward with focused determination. What makes this feat even more impressive is that it wasnt just a casual, ceremonial jog. Stellato ran to winand he did. Competing in the Masters Mens 100m Dash for athletes 80 and older, he left fellow competitors behind, establishing himself as one of the fastest men in his age bracket. The victory was met with cheers from the stands and admiration from across the track and field world. For Stellato, this was not a novelty but a continuation of a lifelong dedication to athletics. While many his age may have long since retired from physical activity, he has maintained a consistent fitness routine, staying agile, strong, and mentally focused. He regularly participates in track events and has earned a reputation in the masters athletics community as someone who brings both humility and ferocity to the competition. His Penn Relays performance is a compelling counter-narrative to the common assumptions about aging. In a society that often equates age with decline, Stellatos sprinting form tells a different story: one of perseverance, discipline, and the enduring capability of the human body when nurtured with care. It's a reminder that passion doesnt have an expiration dateand neither does excellence. Footage of Stellato's run quickly went viral, circulating on social media platforms where fans and fellow athletes celebrated his grit. Comments poured in, ranging from awe to motivation, with many younger viewers admitting theyd be lucky to match that speed even now. For many, seeing someone in his 80s run with such powerthrough wind and rainwas more than impressive; it was transformative. Stellatos victory also brings attention to the growing world of masters athletics. Designed for older competitors, these events promote healthy aging and provide an outlet for lifelong athletes to continue doing what they love. Far from being mere exhibitions, these races are intensely competitive and often feature rigorous training and preparation. Domenic Stellato exemplifies the high bar these athletes set and the passion that drives them. The race also highlighted something more universal: the idea that physical limits are often mental ones. Stellatos performance is a call to reconsider what is truly possible with dedication, discipline, and love for the craft. Even as many his age are dealing with the limitations of old age, he is defying expectationsrunning toward goals while most are slowing down. Perhaps the most moving part of Stellatos story is not just the time on the stopwatch but the look on his face as he crossed the finish line: fierce, proud, and undeterred. Its an expression shared by champions of all ages, from Olympic gold medalists to first-time racers. Its the face of victoryearned, not given. In the days following the event, Stellato has become something of a local legend, drawing admiration from the Philadelphia community and beyond. Though he may be modest about the attention, his achievement will resonate long after the track dries. Hes not just racing against competitors; hes racing against time, doubt, and complacencyand winning. As the crowd dispersed and the rain finally let up, one thing became clear: Domenic Stellato didnt just win a racehe made a statement. Age may catch up to all of us eventually, but for now, Domenic is still outpacing it.
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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.
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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.
Kane Community Living Center - Ross Township
Skilled Nursing 110 McIntyre Road, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15237Compassionate 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.