What to Look for in 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
Choosing the right skilled nursing facility is an important
decision that can significantly impact the quality of care and quality of life.
Below is a guide to the key elements to look for when selecting a skilled
nursing facility.
1. Accreditation and Licensing
The first step in evaluating a skilled nursing facility is
verifying its licensing and accreditation. Ensure the facility is:
- Licensed
by the state and meets local regulations.
- Medicare-
and Medicaid-certified if you plan to use these programs.
- Accredited
by reputable organizations such as The Joint Commission, which indicates a
commitment to high standards of care.
These credentials reflect the facility’s adherence to
quality and safety standards.
2. Quality of Care
The quality of care provided is the most critical factor. To
assess this, consider:
- Staff
Qualifications: Are there licensed nurses and certified nursing
assistants on duty 24/7?
- Staff-to-Resident
Ratio: Facilities with lower ratios can provide more personalized
care.
- Specialized
Services: Does the facility offer care tailored to specific needs,
such as memory care, post-stroke rehabilitation, or palliative care?
- Inspection
Reports: Request state inspection reports to review any past
deficiencies or complaints.
You can also read online reviews and speak with current residents or their families for firsthand feedback.
3. Medical and Rehabilitation Services
Ensure the facility offers the medical and rehabilitation
services required for your or your loved one’s needs, including:
- On-site
access to physicians and therapists.
- Physical,
occupational, and speech therapy programs.
- Advanced
care for chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or dementia.
- Post-surgical
or wound care management.
The availability of specialized services can make a
significant difference in recovery and comfort.
4. Cleanliness and Safety
A well-maintained facility promotes better health outcomes
and reduces the risk of infection or injury. During your visit, take note of:
- General
cleanliness in resident rooms, common areas, and bathrooms.
- Safety
features such as handrails, wheelchair-accessible spaces, and emergency
call systems.
- Infection
control measures, including protocols for managing contagious illnesses.
A clean and safe environment is essential for both physical
and emotional well-being.
5. Resident Engagement and Activities
Social and emotional well-being are crucial to a resident’s
overall quality of life. Look for facilities that offer:
- A
variety of activities, such as group exercises, arts and crafts, and
outings.
- Opportunities
for social interaction and community engagement.
- Access
to spiritual or religious support.
Facilities with a strong focus on enrichment can help
residents stay mentally stimulated and emotionally fulfilled.
6. Meals and Nutrition
Proper nutrition is a key component of recovery and health
maintenance. Evaluate the facility’s dining services:
- Are
meals nutritious, balanced, and tailored to dietary restrictions?
- Does
the facility accommodate special diets, such as diabetic or low-sodium
options?
- Is
assistance available for residents who need help eating?
Request to sample a meal during your visit to experience the
quality firsthand.
7. Staff Attitude and Culture
The demeanor of the staff can have a profound impact on a
resident’s experience. Observe interactions between staff and residents:
- Are
staff members respectful, patient, and caring?
- Do
they communicate clearly and listen to residents’ needs?
- Is
there a sense of warmth and professionalism?
A positive, compassionate staff culture can make a facility
feel like home.
8. Options Cost and Payment
Understanding the cost of care is essential for making an
informed decision. When evaluating a facility:
- Request
a detailed breakdown of costs, including room rates, medical services, and
additional fees.
- Ask
about accepted payment options, such as private insurance, Medicare, or
Medicaid.
- Inquire
about financial assistance programs if affordability is a concern.
Having a clear understanding of costs helps families plan
for long-term care.
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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.
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Kane Community Living Center - Scott Township
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Kane Community Living Center - McKeesport
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