What is Skilled Nursing?
Right From Home
At times, it can be hard having to travel back and forth to get healthcare services when you’re on the road to recovery. However, did you know that you can actually have those same services done right at home? No need to worry about whether or not you will get the same treatment you would at a hospital or facility. Not only is this advantageous but cost effective.
Skilled Nursing
Very different from assisted living and nursing home care, skilled nursing is the care needed to give someone after a surgery, illness or injury. They may need speech therapy, occupational therapy, help with medications, supplies and social services. These services are done by someone who is a licensed nurse and usually after the patient is released from the hospital. The time frame for home care can vary but is considered as temporary care.
Care at Home
Skilled nursing is done where one can feel most comfortable, which is their home. This is a convenient setup for the patient, especially because they’ll receive the same care they would get at a hospital or at a skilled nursing facility (SNF). Examples of home health services are:
Wound care and management
Injections or intravenous therapy
Education for the patient and caregiver
Health monitoring
Your doctor would have to give the order so that you can receive and benefit from skilled nursing at home.
Eligibility
Once you’re doctor determines you may be eligible for home care, he or she must come to the conclusion that you meet a least one or more of the following requirements:
You are homebound
Condition expected to improve reasonably and predictably
Skilled therapist required because of your condition
In need of temporary, intermittent skilled nursing care
Anything beyond these requirements may disqualify you from receiving this benefit from home. If the care needed to recover or to tend to the individual requires more of a long-term care by a full-time licensed nurse, then your doctor may refer you to another benefit. Your doctor will always follow a care plan that would fit your needs the best.
Medicare
Although this is a very favorable form of care for those who qualify, some services may not be covered by Medicare. Once you do receive the notice that you are eligible for this service, the home health agency should notify you to explain what exactly will be covered. Thus, this can give you an idea of what you have to pay. Nothing will be administered to you from home health care until you are well aware of the services and supplies being provided and what Medicare will cover and what it will not. Once you do receive home health services, the home health agency staff will keep your doctor up to date with your health progress, which will help your doctor update your records. As you receive home care, any questions or needs you have will be discussed with the home health agency.