What Is Skilled Nursing?

It’s common for the hospital social worker or case manager to arrange transportation before passing along the information to you, your emergency contact and us. It’s important to know ahead of time that transportation costs are not covered by Medicare or insurance, but the hospital social worker or case manager can tell you how much you can expect to pay.

When you arrive on campus, you’ll be greeted by our friendly care team who will be ready and waiting to help you to your room. You’ll also play an active role in the admission process, answering questions about your health and status. We know the first few days may feel a little bumpy since you’ll be in a new place with new people, which is why we encourage you to ask any questions or share any concerns you may have.

Your medication list comes from the hospital, and our admissions nurses will verify it with your physician and send it to the pharmacy. We have a limited supply of specific medications on hand in case of an emergency. But if you need pain medication, we recommend asking for it at the hospital before you transfer to one of our facilities.

There’s a good chance your medications are covered if you are using Medicare or insurance to cover your time in skilled nursing. But if you are paying with private funds and have a prescription drug plan, you may have a copay. If you are paying with private funds and do not have a prescription drug plan, you’re responsible for paying for your medications.

If your physician doesn’t follow patients to rehabilitation, skilled nursing and transitional care, we have a list of several expert physicians to choose from. But once you are discharged from our care, you’ll be asked to follow up with your primary care physician.

Because we provide therapy services on campus seven days a week, you can often meet with a therapist the same day you arrive for an evaluation. Once the evaluation is complete, the therapy team will be ready to begin your personalized plan of care, which determines the frequency and duration of your sessions.

Our primary goal here is to help you recover and return home. Because we want to see you succeed, you’ll have a therapy program designed specifically for you. And we can make adjustments to your plan as needed.

Since you will be up and dressed each day, you want clothes that feel comfortable and are easy to get on and off. We recommend bringing sweatpants and sweatshirts or shorts and t-shirts for therapy appointments as well as rubber-soled shoes. You’ll also want to bring things like undergarments, pajamas, socks, slippers and a robe. You’re also welcome to bring any preferred toiletry items you’d like to use during your stay.

You and your family are always welcome to discuss your progress and upcoming plans for discharge during care conferences held periodically throughout your stay.

Many of our locations offer computers and free WiFi, which means you can use our electronic devices, or bring and use your own.

We have a variety of group programs as well as individual activities on campus, and we encourage you to participate in campus daily life as much as possible.

Our social services director or case manager can help you get the medical equipment you need before the end of your stay at one of our facilities. And more often than not, necessary equipment ordered by the physician is covered by Medicare or insurance.

With your permission, one of our representatives may reach out after you leave to make sure you feel comfortable being back home. If you decide you need any home health or private duty nursing services, we can help you arrange additional care with an agency. In fact, we offer private in-home care in select locations.