Senior adults with a chronic condition or who are recovering from surgery can find the support they need through a skilled nursing care facility. The qualifications for skilled nursing care are varied, as is the amount of time a person will spend in the program. Some seniors only need skilled nursing care for a few weeks or months. Others may need round-the-clock care to maintain their quality of life. A senior long-term skilled nursing facility offers professional care by experienced medical professionals and beneficial socializing opportunities.
At Baptist Retirement Community, we welcome active seniors and seniors whose health is declining and needs more attention than an at-home provider can handle. Our community employs a full-time staff of registered nurses, certified therapists, clergy, and support staff who are there for your comfort and well-being. In addition to quality care, we also provide nutritious meals, plenty of social activities, and flexible treatment plans that adapt as your health changes. Learn more about our senior long-term skilled nursing care by calling 325.313.7931 today or filling out our online assessment, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
What Is Skilled Nursing Care?
Skilled nursing care is a type of senior care program that can aid seniors in several different ways. It provides short and long-term care solutions for seniors who are in a car accident, recovering from surgery, or have a chronic medical condition. A skilled nursing care team includes a medical director, registered nurses, speech and language pathologists, licensed vocational nurses, audiologists, and other medical staff.
There are three types of skilled nursing care programs:
- Physical therapy – This type of therapy helps seniors recover from an accident or surgery, build muscle strength and dexterity, and help prevent falls.
- Occupational therapy – This is for seniors who need help with daily living activities as well as work on improving memory retention and coordination.
- Speech therapy – A language pathologist works with seniors with difficulty speaking or swallowing. They create a treatment plan to improve their language ability, give them alternative communication strategies, and make appropriate dietary recommendations.
At Baptist Retirement Community, we will review the different qualifications for skilled nursing care with you to determine if that program is right for you. We take the time to get to know each of our residents so we can provide the best care for their physical and mental health.
Qualifications for Skilled Nursing Care
There are certain senior skilled nursing patient qualifications that you need to meet to qualify for a skilled nursing care program.
Early Non-Medical Signs
Some of the common non-medical signs that indicate seniors need skilled nursing care include a steady decline in caring for themselves, forgetting to take their medications, and having coordination issues. Other signs can include depression or a lack of interest in socializing and struggling to keep up with housekeeping, paying bills, and getting to appointments on time.
Medical Issues
Skilled nursing care is best for seniors with serious medical conditions, such as COPD, congestive heart failure, diabetes, or Parkinson’s disease. It can also assist those who experience cardiac failure, hip or bone fracture/break, or stroke. Skilled nursing care is available as a short and long-term care program.
Cognitive Signs
Some common cognitive signs that point to needing skilled nursing care include asking the same questions over and over, getting lost in familiar places, and being unable to follow simple directions. This can lead to forgetting to take important medication or too much, missing bill due dates, and worsening depression and anxiety.
Understanding the various senior skilled nursing patient qualifications can help you recognize when your parents or elderly loved ones need additional care. Plus, enrolling in a short-term program allows seniors to see what living in a retirement community is like.
Find Senior Long-Term Skilled Nursing Care at Baptist Retirement Community
At Baptist Retirement Community, we are a full-service retirement community with comfortable homes and apartments and various care programs for you to make the most out of your golden years. When you first meet with our team, we will discuss the specific qualifications for skilled nursing care and the types of therapies we offer. In addition to skilled nursing care, we also offer:
- Memory care
- Short-term rehabilitation
- Respite care
- Independent and assisted living programs
If you are interested in learning more about our senior living community, contact us at 325.313.7931 today to schedule a tour of your new home.