A patient may be admitted to a nursing home after being discharged from the hospital rather than being sent home. Compared to an extended care facility, nursing homes provide more comprehensive care, and Medicare pays significantly more for these services. Long-term care is viewed as supportive in nature, whereas competent nursing is typically intended to rehab a patient so that, if at all feasible, he can return home. Although these two forms of care are very different from one another and are typically provided on separate floors or sides of the building, they can both be offered there.
It can be difficult to decide what type of care is best for a senior who has fallen, had surgery, or is suffering from a chronic illness. Long-term care facilities and nursing homes are two options to think about. Although they have different specialties and care options, both of these senior assisted living options are great for people who need help with daily tasks.
Long-Term Care Facility VS Nursing home Facility
Patients recovering from a catastrophic accident or operation typically have two main options: nursing home facilities and long-term care facilities. Both offer patients individualized care, although their specialties and levels of medical complexity differ. The finest healthcare facility for your needs will depend on how you comprehend the distinctions between nursing homes and long-term care.
Nursing Home
Short-term acute care is typical, of what a nursing home is. A nursing home facility is often a rehabilitation center built to provide around-the-clock care from doctors, registered nurses, and trained occupational, physical, and speech therapists. In a nursing home facility, a doctor is in charge of each patient’s care.
People may require this degree of care on a long-term basis or perhaps temporarily while suffering from an illness or surgery. Here are some instances of skilled care:
- IV therapy
- Wound and post-surgical care
- Injected medications
- Physical, occupation, and speech therapy
- Regularly checking blood pressure, blood sugar, or heart rate
Whether it’s privately owned living or assisted living, nursing home facilities often act as a gateway between a facility and a more permanent abode. A nursing home is often at least partly covered by health insurance. Including Medicare and Medicaid, because it is meant to be temporary rehabilitative treatment. Your particular plan’s coverage will probably differ.
Long Term Care
Long-term care is residential care where a senior resident needs ongoing access to certified medical care in addition to assistance with activities of each living including eating, cleaning, and using oral medications as prescribed. Long-term care facilities are frequently an extension of nursing home facilities, which makes them an ideal option for individuals who require round-the-clock care and monitoring but don’t require the specialized care provided by the nursing home.
Patients who have:
- Dementia, Alzheimer’s sickness, and other cognitive problems are best served by long-term care
- Parkinson’s disease and further neurological disorders
- Chronic conditions that impair mobility and independence
Although long-term care isn’t intended to offer the same degree of medical care as inpatient care, there will probably be access to doctors if that becomes necessary. Long-term care is often not covered by health insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare because it is more like a permanent home than a nursing home. However, the particular coverage of your plan may differ.
Choosing the Right Health Facility
The following is the main distinction between a nursing home and a long-term care facility: While residents at nursing homes are there as patients who require medical care, those in long-term care are, there for social and physical services. The things that a long-term care institution and a nursing home will offer are very similar. A resident receives assistance with daily tasks and has accessibility to some type of health care tracking in both scenarios. The biggest distinction is in the level.
The objective of an assisted living facility is to allow residents to live as normally as possible. The facility provides services designed with that goal in mind. Staff is on hand to assist with medical issues, but frequently they serve as the residents’ 24/7 contact person to help them get to a doctor or hospital. Choose this if you require assistance throughout the day and have access to doctors when necessary.
The objective of a nursing home is to assist residents who require continuing medical care. The facility is designed with medical facilities and nursing staff in mind. Although the nursing home will provide everyday assistance to let residents lead as normal a life as possible, the focus is on providing nursing care and medical supervision. You’ll probably choose this option on your doctor’s advice or with their help.
Nursing homes and long-term care facilities both accept residents of any age. Since chronic mobility, mental, and health demands are most frequently brought on by aging, the majority of residents will be older. However, it is typical for someone to require continuing care for a variety of other reasons, such as illnesses, accidents, or genetic diseases.
Services Offered
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Nursing Homes
Nursing homes provide different services depending on the facility. Typical services include
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- Meals
- Medication supervision
- Personal care (including assistance with dressing, bathing, and using the restroom)
- 24-hour emergency care
- Social and recreational pursuits
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Long Term Care
The focus of long-term care services is care. These services may consist of:
- Meals service
- Medication administration
- 24-Hour Nursing Care
- Injury Reduction
- 24 Hour Staff
- Emergency Call System
- Falls Management
- Physiotherapy
- Social, recreational spiritual programs
- Support with essential activities of daily living
Long-Term Care Pharmacy
In addition to the services provided in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, patients may also require specialized pharmacy services. Long-term care pharmacy (LTCP) focuses on medication management and related services for patients who are unable to leave their care facilities and require ongoing medical support.
LTCP services often include:
- Medication dispensing
- Medication review and monitoring
- Clinical support and intervention
- Coordination with healthcare providers
LTCP pharmacists work closely with nursing staff, healthcare providers, and patients to ensure that medication therapy is safe, effective, and aligned with the patient’s overall care plan. They also ensure that patients receive their medications on time, in the correct dosage, and with proper instructions.
LTCP is an essential component of long-term care, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care and support for their ongoing health needs. It helps to minimize medication-related problems and improve health outcomes for patients who are unable to manage their medications independently.
Conclusion
There are some prerequisites, such as a recommendation from a doctor or agency, in order to enter a nursing home or long-term care facility. After receiving a referral, the organization will offer options based on the required level of care and let you know when a position opens up. Research into the staff and care provided at both facilities is crucial, as is an assessment of the level of care that a loved one actually needs. Senior Living Specialists can assist with both because we have a great deal of knowledge about the care options that are available to your loved one in the DFW area.
Nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and long-term care pharmacies play an important role in providing comprehensive care and support for seniors and individuals who require ongoing medical support. The right choice will depend on the patient’s medical needs and personal preferences, and it is important to work closely with healthcare providers to determine the best options.