When the Crisis Hits

“When the Crisis Hits”, families may have very little time to decide on the best care facility for a loved one.

Trying to find a Skilled Nursing Care center as the clock races can make you feel overwhelmed or even paralyzed. Fortunately, there are always care options available, even when time isn’t. We recommend breaking down your decision into three steps:

Step 1: Research

Ask family and friends to recommend caregivers or centers. Find and compare Skilled Nursing Care Centers online with Medicare’s “Nursing Care Compare,” a rating site for Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes, professionally called Skilled Nursing Care centers. Medicare has developed a fivestar quality rating system based on health inspection results, care center staff data, quality measures, and fire safety inspection results. Though there is plentiful information you can find, relying on ratings alone is not sufficient enough to make a decision. Be wary of for-profit placement services, you want your decision to be based on careful consideration, not their commission.

Step 2: Consider

Based on your research, choose about three centers to visit. Call each to schedule a tour. Communicate the immediacy of your situation and ask to speak with an admissions coordinator. The admissions coordinator can tell you more about the center and availability. Only visit centers that you know have available accommodations.

Step 3: Select

After visiting and doing your research, select the center that best meets your care needs and consider giving yourself one night to sleep on your decision. Once you have made your care choice, learn more about what to expect during the transition.

As you go through the decision process, remember your loved one will need you as much now as ever. You’ll remain an integral part of your loved one’s care and decisions. You are your loved one’s strongest voice and advocate. ~

Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by Karl Bieber, Public Relations Coordinator for Vetter Senior Living. He can be reached at kbieber@vhsmail.com or 402-895-3932.

Senior Housing Definitions

continued from page 125 are RN covered. Patient may receive rehab services either inpatient or outpatient and may be fully dependent for ADL’s. Patients receive medications by an RN according to a licensed physicians orders.

SKILLED NURSING FACILITY – Facilities provide 24/7 care for residents and offer full assistance with ADL’s. Daily rates typically include a furnished bedroom and a private or shared bath, meals, activities, transportation, phone service, cable television and all personal/nursing care. Payor sources usually accepted are Medicare, Medicaid, VA, some insurance plans and private sources.

TRACH CARE – Refers to care administered to patients who have undergone a tracheotomy. A tracheotomy is a surgical procedure in which a cut or opening is made in the windpipe (trachea). The surgeon inserts a tube into the opening to bypass an obstruction, allow air to get to the lungs, or remove secretions. ~

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