08/16/2024
If a loved one goes into the hospital for a major medical emergency, surgery or illness, their doctor may recommend post-hospital care at a skilled nursing community like The Forum at Rancho San Antonio for short-term rehabilitation. Even on short notice, you’ll still want to do everything you can to ensure your family member has everything they need for their upcoming stay.
What is Skilled Nursing?
A skilled nursing community provides rehabilitation services or nursing care for a limited amount of time. Skilled nursing is typically recommended when someone needs consistent care after one of the following has occurred:
- A stroke
- A major surgery that affects mobility
- A serious illness that results in a long hospitalization
- Injuries that affect movement or thinking
- A condition that requires wound care or intravenous medication
What to Bring to Skilled Nursing
You can always speak with your loved one’s doctor or care team during discharge planning about the things you should bring to make your family member’s stay in skilled nursing as comfortable as possible. However, here’s a general list of things you should consider:
- Health insurance cards
- Advance directives and any other pertinent records (Durable Power of Attorney, guardianship papers)
- Emergency contact information
- Three to five sets of loose, comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes that are easy to get into and remove
- One pair of comfortable walking shoes
- Socks and underwear
- Pajamas and slippers
- Comfortable coat or jacket
- Any splints, braces, orthotics and customized equipment — like a wheelchair — that you use at home
- Personal items such as glasses or contacts, dentures and hearing aids
- Address book and/or personal phone book
- Cell phone and cell phone charger
- iPad or laptop
Items to make your family member feel more comfortable:
- Pillow
- Personal accessories like watch, necklace or bracelet
- Soap, shampoo and conditioner
- Personal hygiene products like toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush and makeup
- Perfume or cologne
- Bedding will be provided, but you can bring some of your loved one’s favorite linens, lap blanket or throw
- Pictures of family and friends or a photo album/scrapbook
- Personal mementos
- Flowers (either real or artificial)
- Favorite snacks or coffee mug
- Reading materials like books, magazines or newspapers
- Hobby items like cards, crossword puzzles, crochet, knitting, drawing and painting supplies, etc.
- Calendar with important dates marked on it
Note: Be sure to label the items you bring to prevent confusion and make them easier to find should they become lost.
Paying for Skilled Nursing
Two of the most common questions regarding higher levels of care are: What does skilled nursing cost? What are the best options to pay for it? Here are some options for covering the cost of care:
Long-term care insurance: Few people have enough money in savings to cover months’ worth of long-term care at market rates. A long-term care insurance policy will reimburse you for a percentage of hospital or skilled nursing care. Because every situation is different, long-term care insurance may not be for everyone, so be sure to consult your loved one’s doctor, tax advisor and financial advisor before deciding.
Private Pay: Many older adults cover their skilled nursing expenses with their assets and retirement savings. These could include selling or refinancing a home, taking distributions from retirement accounts, or using investment income or pension funds.
Medicare: If your doctor prescribes skilled nursing care following a hospitalization, Medicare Part A provides benefits for the first 100 days. The first 20 days are covered in full and then a co-pay will be required if additional care is needed. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan your chosen community will be required to call for pre-authorization for your stay. The Forum accepts Medicare Part A & B, or private pay. If you have questions, our knowledgeable team can help walk you through the process.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): The Aid and Attendance benefit, a supplement to VA pensions for older veterans who need help with daily living activities, can help pay for skilled nursing. Contact your state or regional VA pension management center for details.
The Best Care Anywhere
The Health Care Center at The Forum at Rancho San Antonio offers a full-continuum of on-site care including our five-star, high-quality rating from the CMS. To learn more about our renowned skilled nursing care, please contact us here.
