This problem is becoming increasingly common as the percentage of older adults with functional limitations increases on our hospital units. This month FACT FILE talks with Peter Pompei, pictured below on right, SNF medical director and associate professor of medicine, and Julie Tisnado, at left, SNF nurse manager. The 22-bed SNF opened in October 1993. Because of licensing restrictions, it serves an exclusively Medicare population. The unit provides interdisciplinary services, including short-term rehabilitation, for the largely octogenarian and older population.
Treatment focuses on realistic goals set by patients and their caregivers.
The average age of patients is about 85, although the unit cares for Medicare- eligible patients of all ages. They must meet Medicare criteria for admission, including at least three days on an acute care unit. SNF stays are limited to 100 days and average two weeks. To date no patient stay has exceeded 90 days. The exact dose of each medication must be specified.