By Teresa Halverson, Business Development/Community Relations Director, The Manor at Blue Water Bay
Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation facilities provide a wide range of medical and rehabilitative services for individuals who are recovering from an illness, injury or surgery. The goal of the stay is to help a patient regain strength and independence, so they can safely return home. Choosing a skilled nursing facility (SNF) is often a decision made after a hospital stay when a patient needs more intensive medical care and rehabilitation than can be provided at home. The primary purpose is to bridge the gap between a hospital stay and a patient’s home, helping them recover fully and regain independence. This constant supervision is crucial for patients needing post-acute (hospital) care and requires monitoring to watch for complications and manage pain after surgery.
What type of conditions and services are normally available?
- Surgery: Especially joint replacement surgeries (hips, knees, shoulders) or other major procedures to include back surgery.
- Acute Illness: Pneumonia, infections or complications from chronic conditions like heart failure or COPD.
- Injury or Fall: For patients who need to regain mobility and strength after an accident.
- Stroke or other Brain Injuries: Skilled nursing facilities have a strong focus on neurological rehabilitation.
- Wound Care: Complex or Chronic wound management including dressing changes and monitoring for infection. Some SNFs now utilize the Vaporox wound care system that greatly enhances the healing of wounds.
- IV Therapy: Includes the administering of medications or fluids intravenously.
- Medication Management: Supervising and administering a patient’s medication regimen, which is very important for complex cases.
- Pain Management: Licensed staff are trained to monitor and assess a patient’s pain levels and implement a plan to manage it. These discussions are held with the patient’s physician.
- Medical Monitoring: Includes the continuous monitoring of vital signs and other health conditions.
- Catheter and Colostomy Care: Specialized care for patients with these specific needs.
- Respiratory Care: Management of conditions such as COPD and other lung problems.
- Chronic Condition Management: While many stays are temporary, SNFs can also provide long-term care for individuals with chronic conditions who require a higher level of medical support. This may include specialized units for conditions like:
- Dementia and Memory Care: Providing a safe a structured environment with specialized programs.
- Hospice and Palliative Care: Focusing on comfort and quality of life for patients with serious illnesses.
- These services are provided on-site, allowing patients to focus on their recovery without the stress of arranging multiple appointments and transportation.
Rehabilitative Services:
A core component of a skilled nursing facility is rehabilitation. These services are designed to help patients restore function and improve their quality of life. The therapy teams include:
- Physical Therapy (PT): Physical therapists help patients improve mobility, strength, balance, and gait. They may work on tasks to include learning to use a walker or climbing stairs.
- Occupational Therapy (OT): Occupational therapists focus on regaining the skills a patient needs for activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, bathing, and eating. They also help patients adapt to their environment and use assistive devices if necessary.
- Speech-Language Pathology (SLP): Speech Therapists address a variety of issues including communications difficulties, cognitive impairments, and swallowing disorders (Dysphagia) which can be common after a stroke or with certain condition of dementia.
What to expect:
Assessment: Upon admission, a team of specialists will assess the patient’s needs and create a personalized care plan.
- Therapy Services
- Clinical Nursing and Medical Supervision: Physicians and nurses will monitor the patient’s progress and manage any medications or medical needs.
- Social and Recreational Activities: Most facilities offer social events, recreational activities, and spiritual care to support overall well-being.
Transitioning home: A Focus on Returning Home Safely:
While skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities offer Long-term residential living, the focus of rehab is to set goals to help patients recover enough to return to their own home or an assisted living facility. Staff members work as teams with patients and family members to create a personalized care plan that focuses on achieving this goal. The focus on “transitional care” can lead to a faster and more complete recovery, reducing the risk of complications and hospital readmissions. Nurses, Physicians, therapists and other team members work together, share information and adjust the patient’s care plan as needed. This integrated and holistic approach ensures that all of the patient’s needs-from medical to emotional – are being addressed. The goal is to help patients return home safely with the skills and confidence to manage their daily lives. This may involve training in assistive devices, home modifications or arranging for home health services.
The Manor at Blue water Bay is the only locally owned and operated skilled nursing rehabilitation facility in the area. A 5-Star, CMS rated facility with over 32 years of experience serving our community’s healthcare needs, we have built a strong foundation of trust and expertise. This long-standing commitment allows us to provide reliable, compassionate care that truly understands and addresses the unique needs of the people we serve. We are proud to have been a consistent and dedicated partner in the well-being of our community for more than three decades. Questions? We are here to help. Please contact our Admission’s Team at 850-897-5592 or email: wecare@manoratbwb.com for more information and how we can assist you in your future health care needs.
