Many people often assume that skilled nursing care facilities and assisted living communities are the same. While older adults can receive assistance with completing everyday activities in both settings, skilled nursing facilities focus on providing treatment services in a secure medical environment, whereas assisted living prioritizes residential services.
Skilled nursing care provides medical supervision following a hospital visit. This type of care consists of round-the-clock treatment for those recovering from an injury or continuing health conditions. The staff members at these facilities offer quality medical treatment tailored to each individual's needs. Skilled nursing includes services such as monitoring of vital signs, medication administration and wound care, as well as physical and occupational therapy.
While short- and long-term treatment options are available, staff can assess each resident's needs before rehabilitation begins to structure exercises around their goals and current limitations. Nurses monitor the progress made during this time to consider what exercises best suit their recovery process so they can continue these activities once they have returned home.