What is a skilled need? It’s a type of care a person needs that requires someone with a license or certification to perform that service. Skilled needs require help from registered nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, dietitians, etc. The services they provide are called skilled nursing care services.
What Do Registered Nurses Do?
Skilled nursing care is usually provided by registered nurses. They may have special training allowing them to take on duties outside of RN responsibilities, such as training with diabetes care or a nurse practitioner who specializes in geriatric care.
If you have skilled care for your mom, her nurse can set up an IV line and administer medications and infusions through it. Injections like insulin, immunizations, and antipsychotic medications for extreme paranoia and rage with Alzheimer’s are possible with nursing care.
Nurses can check your mom’s weight gain or loss, blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen saturation level each day or as often as the doctor wants the readings recorded. If there are drastic changes, your mom’s nurses and doctors will determine if changes to her care plan are needed.
Your mom fell and broke her hip. She has to get up and walk around regularly to start building strength and become accustomed to her new hip joint. It also involves using a walker, which is new to her. That’s something a physical therapist can help with, and that’s all under a skilled care umbrella of services.
If your mom had a stroke and has to relearn how to walk, speak, and regain fine motor control again, occupational and speech therapy can help her. Instead of having to go out to a therapy clinic or office, your mom can have her therapists come to her home.
Wound and incision care is another benefit of skilled nursing care. Your mom’s nurses can check that the incision is healing properly, apply new bandages and pressure pads if needed, and clean the incision as directed. If there are signs of infection, the doctor may have the nurse clean the wound thoroughly and prescribe antibiotics via an IV to prevent it from worsening.
What Does It Take to Set Up Skilled Nursing Care Visits?
You should weigh whether the care your mom needs is something you are comfortable helping her with. If you can check her blood pressure using a device her doctor recommends, it may be easier for your mom to have you do it. When you’re not comfortable helping her, arrange for skilled nurses to cover those needs.
Your mom’s doctor will tell your family when skilled nursing care is important. It’s often advised after surgery, while recovering from a major illness like cancer or COVID, and to rebuild strength and balance after a fall. Talk to our skilled nursing care specialist to make the necessary arrangements.
If you or a family member need to hire Skilled Nursing Care Services in Northport NY or the surrounding areas, contact the caring professionals at Extended Family Care Services today at (631)956-8835. We are the Right Choice for Home Health Care Services!
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