Adjusting to Life in a Skilled Nursing Facility What to Expect

Adjusting to Life in a Skilled Nursing Facility: What to Expect

Transitioning into a skilled nursing facility after a hospital stay or injury can be a challenging process. It is important for seniors to view this temporary stay as an essential step in theirrecovery process. Here’s what to expect during your stay and how to manage the emotional and physical adjustments.

What is a Skilled Nursing Facility?

A skilled nursing facility provides around-the-clock medical care and rehabilitation services for older adults recovering from illnesses, surgeries, or those requiring long-term medical attention. Services typically include assistance with activities of daily living, physical, occupational, and speech therapies, medication management, and general health monitoring.

What to Expect in a Skilled Nursing Facility

  • Dedicated Care Team
    Your comprehensive care team consists of nurses, aides, and therapists who assist with medical needs and daily activities like dressing and bathing, ensuring your comfort throughout your recovery.
  • Comprehensive Health Evaluation and Personalized Care Plan
    An initial health assessment is conducted to evaluate the senior’s physical, mental, and emotional health. This assessment helps create a personalized care plan, detailing the therapies and treatments you’ll need for your recovery.
  • Tailored Therapies
    Seniors may receive daily therapies like physical therapy for mobility, occupational therapy for daily activities, and speech therapy for communication or swallowing, all aimed at restoring independence.
  • 24/7 Skilled Nursing Support
    Nursing care is available 24/7 to manage medications, monitor health, and address medical needs like wound care or chronic conditions, ensuring immediate response to any changes.

Easing the Transition

While the focus may be on physical recovery, it’s equally important to prepare mentally for a transition to a skilled nursing facility. Here are some tips to mentally prepare for your stay.

  • Recognize the importance of your stay.
    Accepting that this stay is a key step in your recovery journey can help reduce anxiety and apprehension. Remember, the goal is to regain your strength, mobility, and independence so you can return home stronger than before.
  • Celebrate progress.
    Acknowledge the small wins in recovery, as progress can fluctuate, to help keep a positive mindset. Progress in your treatment means you are closer to transitioning back home. 
  • Encourage family visits.
    Regular visits from family and friends can provide comfort and support during your stay. 
  • Engage in activities.
    Many skilled nursing facilities offer group activities and social events, which can be a great way to stay active and engaged with other residents. Engaging with others who are going through similar experiences can also provide comfort and encouragement during your recovery.

Skilled Nursing at Vista Grande Villa

A stay in a skilled nursing facility can be an essential step toward recovery and regaining independence. By knowing what to expect, you can prepare for a smoother transition and focus on your health and well-being. 

At Vista Grande Villa, our skilled nursing program provides the most comprehensive level of care found outside a hospital setting. Our skilled nursing services include:

  • Round-the-clock skilled nursing care
  • On-call physician
  • Contracted hospice services
  • Care for orthopedic conditions, cardiac recovery, oncology recovery, pain management, diabetic management, and more

When you choose Vista, you’re choosing a trusted, award-winning provider that is committed to your health, comfort, and recovery. We take pride in our 52 years of experience providing exceptional skilled nursing care. Our dedication to quality is reflected in our Bronze Award from the American Health Care Association, a prestigious national honor recognizing excellence. Additionally, we are proud to be rated by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Nursing Homes for short-term rehabilitation stays. 

For more information about Vista Grande Villa and our skilled nursing services, schedule a tour today. 

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