In today’s question-and-answer session, Stephen Edward Samuelian offers insight on what it takes to provide proper skilled nursing care for senior citizens.
Q: Good morning. It’s wonderful of you to take time out of your busy schedule to chat with us.
Stephen Edward Samuelian: It’s no problem, I appreciate the opportunity.
Q: There are a lot of misconceptions about skilled nursing care. I’d like to clear some of those up today.
Stephen Edward Samuelian: I will be happy to answer any questions that you have.
Q: Let’s start with the most obvious: what specifically is “skilled” nursing care?
Stephen Edward Samuelian: A skilled nursing care facility is one that provides advanced nursing assistance to seniors 24 hours a day.
Q: What do you mean by “advanced?”
Stephen Edward Samue
lian: When we talk about advanced nursing care, we’re speaking of things that most individuals can’t do at home like intravenous medication administration, severe wound care, and rehabilitation services.
Q: Services such as…?
Stephen Edward Samuelian: Speech therapy, occupational therapy, or physical therapy to help an individual regain his or her physical capabilities.
Q: Can you describe the atmosphere in a skilled nursing community like one of yours?
Stephen Edward Samuelian: We strive for a calm and comfortable feeling. The buildings are designed for resident safety as the utmost priority. All staff are carefully screened to ensure they are right fit for the community.
Q: Are there different levels of care?
Stephen Edward Samuelian: Absolutely. Residents may need different types of care at different times during their stay. Some skilled nursing facilities have units that are dedicated to residents with the most difficult memory care concerns.
Q: Such as…?
Stephen Edward Samuelian: A skilled nursing facility that specializes in memory care will cater to patients with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or other degenerative conditions.
Q: Aside from skilled medical care, what other services to these facilities provide?
Stephen Edward Samuelian: As with any adult residential program, a skilled nursing facility provides laundry services as well as social and educational activities. Most are also inclusive of pharmaceutical and radiological services and hospice care for those facing terminal conditions.
Q: What is the difference between an assisted living community and a skilled nursing care facility?
Stephen Edward Samuelian: An assisted living community is a senior living arrangement where the senior lives in their own apartment.
Q: So they maintain their independence?
Stephen Edward Samuelian: That’s right. They do, however, have services available when needed.
Q: Like access to medical care?
Stephen Edward Samuelian: Yes, as well as a scheduled events, transportation, and many other support services. A skilled nursing facility is a more comprehensive program for individuals who can no longer care for themselves.
Q: Are there any resources for adults facing the decision to put their aging parents into care?
Stephen Edward Samuelian: Absolutely. Medicare offers a wonderful overview of facilities. As well, the American Health Care Association offers many resources. I would also suggest that anyone looking into care options visit multiple facilities in their area.
Q: Aren’t they all similar?
Stephen Edward Samuelian: Not necessarily but they will all have strict minimum levels of care. You want to make sure that the people and location are best suited to your loved-ones needs. They may feel more at home somewhere closer to family or in a location with a certain type of décor. It’s about personal preference.
Q: We appreciate your answers today. Hopefully, we can chat with you on this subject again sometime.
Stephen Edward Samuelian: It would be my pleasure.
According to Stephen Samuelian, Nursing Home Compare has come under recent criticism with complaints that some highly rated nursing homes have had numerous problems and face fines. Starting immediately, the federal government now requires nursing homes to do more to simply receive higher quality scores. Below, Stephen Samuelian explains the new measures and what they mean for nursing homes across the country.