When it’s time to move on from the care and services the hospital gives, the hospital processes the patient for discharge. Going back home after staying in the hospital for a long time is always the goal for patients. However, recovery can take a long time without professional help, so healthcare providers often recommend a skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility.
Both services provide specialized care based on the patient’s needs, but one will always best fit you and your family. Knowing the differences between rehab and skilled nursing allows you to make an informed decision for recovery.
What Is Rehab?
Rehabilitation, or rehab, is a specialized medical service that helps patients recover. It includes therapy and other treatments to help restore physical, mental, and speech functions. Rehabilitation is often prescribed after an injury or illness to help regain lost strength, coordination, and mobility. After rehab, the patient can return home and to their pre-injury level of functioning.
Rehab facilities welcome inpatient and outpatient programs. Physical, occupational, and speech therapies can run at least three hours daily for at least five days a week. Trained specialists facilitate these therapy sessions with equipment and technology to ensure patients recover to their full potential.
What Is Skilled Nursing?
Skilled nursing is a medical specialty designed for people who require ongoing care and supervision due to an illness or injury. It focuses on helping patients reach their highest level of health and independence.
Skilled nursing facilities provide custodial care, meaning they help patients with daily activities they can no longer do on their own. This could be bathing, dressing, eating, or managing medication. Staff members are available around the clock to offer assistance and support.
When your healthcare provider recommends skilled nursing, it means you need a gradual road to recovery. You can’t go home just yet, and specialists need to do 24-hour monitoring and medical treatment.
What Are the Differences Between Rehab and Skilled Nursing?
The difference between rehab and skilled nursing lies in the type of care each one offers. Rehab facilities focus on helping you reach your highest possible level of functioning so you can return home as soon as possible. In contrast, skilled nursing focuses on providing care medically necessary during recovery. Both services include therapy sessions but are not as intense in skilled nursing.
Rehabilitation lasts up to 16 days, while patients who need skilled nursing need to stay at least 28 days in the facility. The best way to know which one you need is to consult your doctor, who will provide you with a personalized care plan. Consider the following when deciding:
- Program intensity
- Average length of stay
- Access to healthcare providers
- Costs and Medicare coverage
- Staffing
Skilled Nursing at King-Bruwaert House
Seniors going through physical, cognitive, and psychological changes deserve a place to recover, heal, and enjoy high-quality care. King-Bruwaert House provides skilled nursing services, guaranteeing you personalized attention and 24/7 support. We focus on helping you stay healthy as you age, supporting you while you maintain your independence.
Our professionals include registered and licensed nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, dieticians, and more. Our staff is dedicated to providing you with top-notch care in a home-like setting. Contact us today.
