If you are looking for viable care options for a loved one, you should understand the terminologies in long-term care. For instance, many people use the terms nursing home and skilled nursing care facilities interchangeably. However, these are not the same thing.

So, what is the difference between skilled nursing care and a nursing home? Let’s find out.

What is skilled nursing care?

Skilled nursing care refers to skilled medical care provided by or supervised by licensed health professionals. These professionals could include physicians, registered nurses, speech therapists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, audiologists, and more. To simplify, a skilled nursing facility provides more skilled medical services and expertise.

These services may be required for short-term rehabilitation from a surgery, illness, or injury. They may also be required for those with a chronic medical condition who require frequent or chronic medical attention. People who are recovering from a stroke or need constant wound care are better suited for a skilled nursing care facility. It is also a better option for people who require rehabilitation after a surgery or an illness and people with severe memory issues. Terminally ill patients and those that require around-the-clock care should also consider a skilled nursing facility over a nursing home.

Skilled nursing care includes a wide array of services, including:

- Wound care
- IV therapy
- Tube feeding
- Catheter care
- Physiotherapy, and
- Speech therapy

What is a nursing home?

A nursing home cares for patients who can’t be cared for at home. However, these patients do not need to be in a hospital. You will usually find skilled nurses and nurses aides in a nursing home providing 24/7 care.

You can live in a nursing home even if you require frequent medical care, such as bi-weekly dialysis. However, you should be physically able to travel to your doctor’s appointments or have a family member take you.

Services in a nursing home include:

- Meals
- Personal hygiene
- Dispensing medication
- Assistance with daily living activities such as bathing and getting dressed
- Exercise classes
- Recreational activities such as art and crafts

What is the difference between a skilled care facility and a nursing home?

Skilled nursing facilities can be considered as something in between a hospital and your own house. It is like getting the comfort of your house with expert medical supervision. Unlike a nursing home, your stay in a skilled care facility will usually be for a short duration.

Skilled nursing facilities offer specialized services such as hearing specialists, pathologists, rehabilitationists, occupational therapists, dietary aides, and others.

A major difference between a skilled care facility and a nursing home is the people who provide medical care. You may find non-medical workers providing care in a nursing home. On the other hand, a skilled nursing facility has licensed medical professionals, such as:

- Medical doctors
- Speech pathologists
- Registered nurses (Rns)
- Vocational nurses
- Rehabilitation specialists
- Audiologists

Let us consider the example of an elderly person who has broken bones due to a fall. Once the person undergoes surgery to fix the bones, they may no longer be needed to stay in a hospital. However, they will still require rehabilitation and wound care to regain their range of motion. Such a patient would benefit by staying at a skilled care facility rather than a nursing home.

Can skilled nursing care be provided elsewhere?

Skilled nursing care can also be provided at home. You can avail a wide range of services including chronic disease management, post-operative care, wound care, pain management, medication management, and nutritional services.

Are you looking for 24-hour skilled nursing care in Miami? 24-7 Home HealthCare offers a wide range of services including 24-hour nursing care in Miami. For more information, visit 24-7 Home HealthCare.

For More Information :- https://24-7homehealthcare.com/