When it comes to healthcare, understanding the type of care you or a loved one may need is essential. Skilled nursing care can be broadly categorized into two types: short-term and long-term. These terms may seem straightforward, but they encompass a range of services, treatments, and goals that differ significantly.
Short-term care is typically provided for a few days to several months, with the aim of assisting someone in recovering from surgery, hospitalization, injury, or illness. The expectation with short-term care is that the individual’s condition will improve in the short term, and they will regain their independence after a fall, mild stroke, serious illness, or surgery.
On the other hand, long-term care is more suitable for individuals with progressive or chronic health conditions that necessitate ongoing care or assistance. Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, later stages of dementia, permanent disabilities, or stroke often require a level of care that transcends what loved ones can provide on their own.
The Role of Short-Term Care Facilities
Short-term care facilities play a crucial role in helping individuals recover and rehabilitate from various health issues. These facilities offer a range of services from skilled nursing care to assistance with daily activities. The goal of short-term care is to assist the patient in returning home or resuming normal daily activities and functions.
One of the most critical periods in short-term care is the postoperative phase. Postoperative care begins immediately after surgery and includes everything from pain management and wound care to monitoring for potential complications. In the hospital, postoperative care involves monitoring vital signs and assessing lung function, checking the surgical site for signs of bleeding or infection, and watching for signs of an allergic reaction to anesthesia. Depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s health condition, postoperative care may continue even after the patient has been discharged from the hospital.
Whether it’s short-term or long-term care, skilled nursing services are pivotal. For short-term care, skilled nursing services may include wound care, medication administration, and rehabilitation services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. In long-term care, skilled nursing staff provide a comprehensive set of services ranging from memory care and medical care to personal care for older adults who have difficulty functioning independently.
Touchstone Communities: Your Partner in Care
Touchstone Communities understands the intricacies of both short-term and long-term care. Our team of skilled professionals are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care tailored to the individual needs of each resident. Whether you’re recovering from surgery and in need of short-term care, or dealing with a chronic condition that requires long-term care, Touchstone Communities are here to assist. Our focus is not only on providing the necessary medical and personal care but also on preserving our residents’ quality of life and health to the greatest extent possible!
At Touchstone Communities, we offer short-term care services that are designed to focus on the health and well-being of our residents. For more information on our skilled care plans, or to take a tour of one of the communities, contact our office today!
