Five Ways the Future of Skilled Nursing Is Changing

Skilled nursing is a critical part of healthcare in the United States. It provides for patients who need more than routine care and long-term rehabilitation after a hospital stay, but less than full hospice or inpatient care. What does this mean? Skilled nursing facilities provide many different services to help patients regain their independence and live as independently and comfortably as possible. They offer short-term rehabilitation, long-term rehabilitative care, post-acute medical and social needs, chronic disease management, end-of-life care, and more. In this blog post, Licensed Nursing Home Administrator Eli Mirlis will take a look at five ways skilled nursing is changing.

Ensuring the care is always available

Skilled nursing facilities have been around for a long time, but there are some things about them that have changed in recent years. In addition to providing short-term rehabilitation and long-term rehabilitative care, skilled nursing facilities are now taking on end-of-life care in a way that is changing the way the elderly die.

According to "The New York Times," "the number of people over 65 who died in skilled nursing facilities increased by nearly 40 percent from 2005 through 2008." In response, states have begun changing how they regulate skilled nursing facilities in an attempt to ensure the care is always available.

As a result, many states have changed their licensing requirements for skilled nursing facilities and has limited their number. As these changes continue to take place across the country, adds Eli Mirlis, CEO at RegalCare Management Group, skilled nursing will be able to provide better quality of life for patients and help them live as independently and comfortably as possible.

Preparing for an aging population

With an aging American population, skilled nursing is becoming more important. The elderly are at risk for falls, chronic diseases, and declining physical function. They're also more prone to functional decline if they're not living in a familiar environment with the people who know them best.

Skilled nursing facilities provide familiar environments for patients to recover from their illnesses or injuries in safety and security. They also help the elderly maintain their independence by providing personal care aides, activities, and social interaction within the facility.

The changing needs of an aging population are one reason why skilled nursing is so important. As our population ages, it's essential that we have resources available to help manage the needs of this demographic trend.

Improving the quality of life

Skilled nursing facilities offer a wide range of services, many of which are designed to improve the quality of life for patients and their caregivers. These services include:

- Post-acute medical and social needs: These services help patients return to living independently after a hospital stay. They may include home health care, 24-hour nursing care, and rehabilitation.

- Chronic disease management: Chronic disease management is used to provide care for patients with chronic diseases like congestive heart failure, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes. It includes providing expert guidance on diet, exercise, and medications.

- End-of-life care: Care at the end of life includes caring for patients who are at risk for dying. They may not be able to maintain breathing on their own or have conditions that limit their ability to eat or drink without help.

- Short-term rehabilitation: Rehabilitation can help patients regain physical or mental abilities after an injury or illness. It is typically offered in the form of short-term transitional care during which caregivers teach them new skills they need in order to live independently again.

Skilled nursing is changing the way healthcare works in America because it provides comprehensive care with innovative services that support patient mind/body/spirit health.

Increasing collaboration

Skilled nursing is a growing industry, and this means that collaboration between providers and caregivers is more important than ever. In fact, according to Eli Mirlis who has been named a 2020 Future Leader by Skilled Nursing News, the average skilled nursing facility has expanded from four to 12 employees over the last decade.

As a result of increased demand, supply can be a challenge. But as technology continues to improve, it's becoming easier for caregivers and facilities to collaborate seamlessly. Eligibility can be streamlined, care plans can be shared across institutions, and patients can even access their own health information online. The future of skilled nursing looks bright with increased collaboration and innovative technologies!

Utilising new techniques

Skilled nursing facilities are adapting to new techniques and technologies. With these changes, they can provide a holistic approach to patients of all ages and abilities.

For example, skilled nursing providers in California have been using robot-assisted therapy to help patients with their mobility challenges. In this robotic procedure, doctors program the robot to assist in performing tasks with a patient that may be difficult for them on their own. These tasks typically include transferring from bed or chair into a wheelchair or standing position.

As technology shifts at a rapid pace, skilled nursing providers must keep up with these changes in order to offer the best level of care possible for their patients.