Seniors who are hospitalized after an illness or accident don’t always return home immediately. Instead, their case manager may recommend a short-term stay in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) to help them recover further. Skilled nursing facilities provide crucial nursing services, including wound care, injections, and physical therapy, plus support with activities of daily living. These services help patients to recover, improving their quality of life and increasing their chances of independence.
As with all facilities, the quality of SNFs can vary considerably. There are also differences in the types of payments accepted, the specific services they offer, and their overall environment. As such, families should take the time to research different skilled nursing facilities in order to find the one that’s best suited for their needs. This article highlights the most important factors to consider when choosing a facility for your loved one.
Factors to consider when choosing a skilled nursing facility for short-term rehab
The most efficient way to choose a skilled nursing facility is to start with a list of possibilities and then narrow these down based on your needs. The initial list will likely be based on the skilled nursing facilities in your area, facilities recommended by the health insurance or the hospital, and any others you find through your own research. Once you have compiled the list, consider the following factors to choose the right facility for you.
Cost and payment options
Finances are one of the first areas to consider. Ask whether the facility accepts Medicare, Medicaid, or any other health insurance you may have. If you’re paying another way, such as through long-term care insurance or from your own pocket, you’ll need to crunch the numbers to determine whether the facility fits your budget.
You should also consider how clear the facility is on how their costs break down and whether there will be additional expenses. For example, the level of care, the type of room (shared vs. single), and additional services may all increase the price. Which costs will be covered by Medicare or Medicaid? Which ones will you need to cover yourself?
Also pay close attention to the facility’s policies for handling late payments or nonpayment. If they increase the costs to the point where you can no longer pay, what are your rights as a resident, and how do they help ensure a transition to another facility?
Quality of care
The next factor to consider is the quality of care, including the physical, emotional, and psychological care the senior receives. You want a facility that takes the best possible care of your loved one.
Key information to look out for here includes nurse-to-resident ratios, staff turnover, and staffing levels. Some of this information can be found online, often through comparison tools like this one offered by Medicare.
You can also research each skilled nursing facility individually. Look for information about the experiences of families and residents, including reviews, complaints, and newspaper articles. Has the organization won any awards or been commended for their quality of care? Also check your state’s licensing department’s database for any violations.
Licensing and accreditation
The licensing and accreditation of the facility provide valuable insight into the care they provide and their standards. Licensing is conducted at the state level to verify that the facility meets the basic standards for health and safety. Regular inspections are conducted to ensure that the standards are maintained.
Accreditation is a voluntary process that holds facilities to a higher standard. Accredited facilities often focus on quality improvement and emphasize excellence. As such, they are likely to be of a higher standard than those without such accreditation.
Services and amenities
The next question is what the facility offers. Skilled nursing facilities all have the same basic set of services, including 24-hour nursing care, rehabilitation services, and some recreational activities. Some facilities also offer more specialized services. For example, some offer memory care services and can support patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive challenges. If the senior has complex or highly specialized medical needs, you’ll need to be certain the facility can accommodate them.
Facility cleanliness and safety measures
Various signals point to the facility’s overall safety. Cleanliness is crucial, as an unclean environment can raise the risk of infection. Also, if staff members aren’t managing to keep the place clean, they may miss other critical things.
Ask about the facility’s safety measures, security systems, and emergency protocols. Does the facility have everything in place, including well-described emergency plans, infection control measures, and backups for when things go wrong?
Overall environment and culture
Another key factor is the environment and culture of the skilled nursing facility. Some prioritize patient dignity and individual needs, while others emphasize organization and routine. Reading reviews can provide insight, but a visit often gives the clearest impression.
Chat with willing residents about their experiences with their rooms, quality of care, staff, and any challenges they’ve faced. Also observe whether staff are friendly and residents seem content. Signs of tension or urgency might hint at staffing challenges. Take note of the overall vibe — does it feel welcoming, with patients held as a high priority?
Location
Seniors do not need to live close to their skilled nursing facility to be eligible. However, they do need to be able to safely travel the distance after being discharged from the hospital.
If the facility is nearby, it will be easier for family members to visit, which can make the experience much better. Visiting regularly can be important for ensuring that the facility is meeting the senior’s needs. However, you may want to choose a location that’s farther away to make sure the senior gets the best possible care. The right solution will depend on your situation.
Communication
Facilities will vary in how well they communicate with family members. Some will focus heavily on communication, potentially contacting the family for every major decision, particularly those related to medication. Other facilities may only communicate with the family when essential.
Limited communication doesn’t necessarily mean poor-quality care. Some facilities may simply focus on the senior’s needs, especially if the senior can make medical decisions independently.
If the senior faces cognitive challenges or if the family has had bad experiences in the past, communication may be a critical issue to consider. Ask staff about what you can expect in updates to any care plan changes and the circumstances under which you get notified.
Final thoughts on choosing a skilled nursing facility
We’ve covered a variety of important factors to consider when choosing a facility. There’s a lot to weigh, and there may not be a single best facility. Instead, a facility may excel in some areas and fall short in others. You’ll need to focus on the factors that matter most to you, such as whether the facility accepts Medicare and Medicaid, their quality of care, or the specific services they offer. You may also need to simply pay attention to your instincts and choose what feels right. You may find that one facility resonates with you more than others.
It can be worth starting to plan before the need for a skilled nursing facility arises. Doing so gives you more time to find the best place for your needs. Even if your loved one never ends up needing a skilled nursing facility, it’s better to be prepared. By knowing what to look for and what you need most, you can confidently make the right choice for your loved one.
