The level of care provided in a nursing home typically is dependent on a doctor's orders and the parameters of the patient's insurance coverage. Nursing homes, also sometimes referred to as long-term care facilities, provide nursing care and rehabilitation services for those recovering from a surgery or illness and continued nursing coverage for those with chronic illnesses. A nursing home is utilized when patients have transitioned from a hospital but cannot care for themselves at home.
Types
According to Lawyers.com, there are three basic levels of care in a nursing home. Skilled care follows a doctor's orders and requires prescribed medical procedures from registered nurses and therapists. Patients who need occupational assistance for such services as delivering medication, feeding and daily housekeeping use intermediate care. Custodial care is designed to provide assistance for daily care of individuals with chronic diseases who cannot live independently.
Features
Skilled care typically is utilized by those recovering from surgery who need a nursing home for a short rehabilitative stay. Intermediate care is intermittent as needed and usually not prescribed by a doctor. Patients recovering from serious illnesses may enter a nursing home for occasional care as needed when they reach various points in their recovery. Non-professional medical personnel such as certified nursing assistants and aides usually deliver custodial care.
Misconceptions
Medicare and other private insurance policies do not automatically cover all nursing home care. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, Medicare rules require the patient to be under a doctor's supervision. Skilled nursing services must be required daily in order to qualify for Medicare payment. Long-term custodial care is not a Medicare benefit.
Considerations
At the time of discharge, hospitals provide discharge coordinators or social workers to work with the patient and find appropriate follow-up care. According to Medicare.gov, a discharge planner should explain all the options as well as the level of care that will be required following the discharge. Patients who do not have sufficient assistance at home may need intermediate care until accommodations can be made. Those with rehabilitative needs often move directly into skilled nursing for as long as three weeks. Discharge planners also make referrals to home health agencies and other community resources when needed.
Warning
Ideally, patients will know whether they will need nursing home care before they even have the procedure. Whenever possible, patients or their designated caregivers should investigate various nursing home options before the surgery. Medicare provides ratings and inspection reports to help patients make an informed decision. Often hospitals work in concert with a local nursing home and automatically fill those beds first when the patients don't have a preference. Patients should ask for referrals and make every effort to visit a nursing home prior to admittance regardless of the level of care needed.
