FAQ

FAQ about skilled nursing at The Bartlett

What is a skilled nursing facility (SNF)?

A skilled nursing facility provides 24-hour licensed nursing care. A SNF primarily provides services for patients and residents who require medical or nursing care and/or therapy services for the rehabilitation of injured, disabled or sick person.

Care typically includes: rehabilitation, intravenous therapy, post-surgical stabilization, pulmonary management, wound care, assistance with administration of medications and aid in a variety of daily living needs, including dressing, bathing, walking, and eating. Additional services offered may include: Psychiatric/psychological services, social services, podiatry and optometry, housekeeping & laundry, and beauty/barber shop.

Is a skilled nursing facility like a hospital?

A nursing home is not a hospital. Many people enter a nursing facility after a hospital stay and tend to think of the nursing facility as an extension of hospital care. However, a nursing facility is much different. Medical, rehabilitative, and nursing care is provided as needed by health care professionals and dedicated caregivers. Yet, at the same time, nursing facilities try to be homes – where people can feel comfortable and find familiar faces.

Nursing facilities do not have restrictive visiting hours like hospitals. Family members and friends are encouraged to visit. Whenever possible, the residents will eat in a dining room rather than in their rooms. Various activities and outings are offered each day to stimulate and entertain residents.

What should a new patient or resident bring?

Whether someone comes to a skilled nursing facility for a few days or for long term care, we want them to feel like they are at home. Light clothing and personal items should be brought along with items that will warm their heart, such as family photos, small keepsakes or a treasured blanket or pillow.

We encourage you to visit the facility ahead of time to see what items would be most appropriate. Unlike assisted living communities, our skilled nursing facilities provide basic furniture and toiletries. However, items that can help provide comfort during a patient or resident’s stay would be welcome.

What should I leave at home?

While we encourage people to bring a few personal items, please leave jewelry, valuables, large amounts of money, purses/wallet, electrical items, including extension cords, space heaters and electric blankets at home or with a loved one.

Can I bring my personal medications?

No. All medication, even over-the-counter, must be administered by one of our care team members after admission. If you want your loved one to keep medication at bedside, we will need to obtain a doctor’s order, have the resident complete a competency assessment and ensure that the medications are locked in a drawer.

When will therapy/rehab begin? Will therapy occur seven days per week?

Therapy typically begins within 24 hours of admission and is offered 7 days a week. Our goal is to get you started as soon as possible so you can return home quickly.

Are patients able to spend a night at home?

Short-term Medicare Patients – Our goal is to help you return home as quickly as possible. During your short-term stay, you are permitted to leave the facility for special occasions, although not overnight (a special church event, a wedding, a funeral).
Long-term Medicaid Patients – Long-term patients are allowed to leave for up to 72-hours.
Private Pay Patients – Patients have no restrictions.

Who will be my doctor? When does the doctor visit?

Your loved one’s nurse or quality of life specialist will know the attending physician for your loved one. Typically, our physicians will make rounds once a week or have one of their nurse practitioners onsite who usually are in our facilities two or three times a week in addition to the physicians. Upon transition, we will work with your loved one’s primary care physician to transfer records and their care plan. If your loved one prefers to use their primary physician while under our care, we will work with you on the guidelines required to do this.

Can our family pet visit?

Absolutely! We welcome most family pets including dogs and cats. We may request vaccination records and some breed restrictions apply.

How long will my loved one stay at the nursing home under their SNF benefit?

While the average length of stay in a skilled nursing facility can be three to four weeks depending on the condition, every patient’s road to recovery is unique and based solely on the individual care plan and therapy progress.

Will I have any privacy?

We value your privacy and understand that personal space is important. During your stay, we will provide clinical supervision and support as needed for you recovery. Common areas in the nursing facility tend to be open, while the patient rooms are considered their private space.

Will I have voice in my care plan?

Our team strives to maximize independence and honor patient preferences. It is a patient’s legal right to make choices about activities, schedules, healthcare and other aspects of their life. A resident council, which is a self-governed body in our nursing facility, provides an opportunity for residents to become actively involved in addressing their concerns to staff and to one another. When it comes to treatment decisions, some patients choose to shift decision-making responsibilities to their children or others.

Lic: #00-0370