Skilled Nursing
What Does It Mean To Be Home Bound?
Medicare defines home bound as:
- Not being able to and being advised not to leave your home because of a health condition
- A health condition that keeps you from leaving home without help (ex: wheelchair, walker, requiring special transportation or getting help from another person)
- Not being able to leave home without undergoing a taxing effort
What Is Skilled Nursing?
Skilled Nursing mainly assists homebound patients. Skilled Nursing refers to the range of services a registered nurse or licensed practical (vocational) nurse provides to patients. Depending upon the patient, care is offered on a short or long term basis within the comfort of their own home. Skilled Nursing care is ideal for adult patients or seniors who suffer from illnesses or disabilities and are unable to care for themselves. Legitimate Skilled Nursing agencies are licensed and inspected by the California State Department Of Health Services.
What Services Are Offered Under Skilled Nursing Care?
- Treatments / Injections
Injections or treatments ordered by the Physician are administered by a professional registered nurse to the patient. A skilled nurse is able to give injections or medical treatment using aseptic techniques. If injections are improperly administered it can lead to nerve or muscle damage. Opting for a skilled nurse to provide injections and treatment is always the safest form of medical care. - Dressing Changes / Wound Care / Post Op Care
A licensed nurse uses sterile gauze dressings to cover open wounds. Dressing changes are necessary in order to prevent infection and keep wounds clean. Wound Care treatments prevent open wounds from becoming septic and promote healing. Wound Care is a pertinent skilled nursing service for seniors who have lower levels of immunity and have poor ability to fight off infection. Nursing staff are experienced with Post Op Care such as checking wounds, removing stitches and keeping wounds clean. - Catheter Care / Incontinence Care
As adults get older they have less control over their bladder. Patients who are bedridden or experience loss of bladder control require catheters to collect urine from their bladder. Skilled nurses are able to attach and change catheters as required. Catheters need to be changed regularly in order to maintain hygiene and prevent infection. A licensed nurse is skilled at catheter insertion which differs in technique based upon the patient’s gender. - Medication Management
Seniors at times have trouble remembering to take their medication on time. They can also forget that they have already taken their medication which can lead to accidental overdose. Forgetting to take medication or overdosing can cause further complications for patients already suffering from critical health conditions. In order to prevent such occurrences licensed nurses keep track of the patient’s dosage, medication schedule and give them friendly reminders as and when required. Certified nurses are also able to call the patient’s physician to order medication and changes in their prescription. - Restorative Care
Restorative Care is the type of assistance offered by skilled nursing professionals that focuses on the patient’s physical and mental well being. Restorative care encourages patients to set functional goals that they can achieve over time. It dissuades patients from focusing on their limitations and illness and instead encourages them to seek independence and a better way of life. - Respiratory Care
Respiratory Care is offered to patients who can benefit from treatments such as Oxygen Therapy, Inhalation Medication Management and Ventilator Management. These types of therapies are recommended for patients suffering from Respiratory conditions such as Asthma, Sleep Apnea or Emphysema. - Family / Patient Education
The biggest role a licensed nurse has is to educate the patient and their family to help them lead a more fulfilling and independent life at home. By increasing awareness about their health condition patients are more cooperative and proactive of taking better care of themselves. Knowing what to expect, patients and their families are less fearful and more assured about their situation. - Diabetic Care
Seniors affected by Diabetes suffer from more severe and detrimental health problems as they get older. These health problems are directly correlated to the long term health effects of Diabetes. Diabetes targets the kidneys, eyes, and other vital organs of the body. Diabetic Care is provided to educate patients how to better maintain their body with this condition. A Dietary Counselor advises patients to follow healthier eating habits. Medication, insulin and blood sugar monitoring are ongoing treatment methods used to cope with Diabetes. Diabetic patients are informed about the disease and the latest treatments available to lead more gainful lives. - Care Of The Terminally Ill
Patients at the end of life need skilled nursing care in order to consistently assess the changes in the patient’s condition. Nurses are familiar with aspects of pain management, keeping the patient comfortable and other forms of Hospice care. - Blood / Lab Work
Blood draws and lab work is done regularly to measure the patient’s well being. Nursing staff are prepared to do blood draws and lab work as often as required. - IV Therapy
IV Therapy is the quickest way to provide medication and vital nutritional supplements to the body. It is more efficient than other treatment because it is administered directly through a vein. If IV Therapy is not provided by a licensed skilled nurse there is a high risk of infection and for bacteria to spread through the blood stream. - CardioPulmonary Care
CardioPulmonary Care accommodates patients with heart problems. CardioPulmonary Care includes education and awareness of recommended heart healthy exercise routines, eating habits and monitoring the patient’s heart rate at regular intervals. Heart medication and dosage is also evaluated to make sure each patient is receiving the most efficient form of heart care. - Ostomy Care
This form of care is ideal for patients who have been fitted with an Ostomy device. Ostomy devices have an external pouch to collect the patient’s bowel movements. A certified nurse will empty or change the pouch depending upon the type of Ostomy device. Whether the patient’s Ostomy device is temporary or permanent a skilled nurse can assist and educate the patient with lifestyle changes so that they are able to live an independent life. - Dietician Counseling
Dieticians advise patients of healthy eating habits so that they can cope with their health conditions more effectively. Certain changes in the diet can sometimes make a world of a difference for the patient’s health condition
