iAge: Skilled Care During Difficult Times

with Seniors in mind, this article is provided by Parkview Nursing & Rehabilitation

During these challenging times, the number-one priority for any skilled nursing care facility is protecting the health, safety and comfort of their residents. Year after year, skilled nursing facilities do their best to fulfill that priority. But because of the current state of affairs, many skilled care teams have been pushed to adapt and innovate to continue serving the senior population. If you're considering skilled care or have a loved one living at a facility, take a moment to learn more about it and how facilities may be adapting during this time.

Skilled care facilities offer services such as skilled nursing and longterm care, short-term rehabilitation, post-surgical care, and respite services. Skilled nursing teams cater to long-term residents, making sure those residents have what they need to lead comfortable, fulfilling lives. Physical, occupational, and speech therapists are often on site to help patients reach their highest level of ability after illness or surgery. And many facilities have social services teams, activities associates and dietary professionals who try to foster a supportive, fun and nourishing environment.

With the new pressures COVID-19 has put on us as a nation, skilled care facilities are implementing new safety methods and procedures to meet the needs of their residents and their families while limiting risk of infection. Doing so will benefit not only the residents but also the community at large as we all work to flatten the curve.

Nurses and care associates at skilled care facilities are expected to closely observe local, state and national health guidelines when administering care to residents. All of the care associates wear personal protective equipment and monitor residents regularly. There are also

Many facilities have limited visitations and public events. Cleaning staff have ramped up their cleaning routines, paying careful attention to high contact areas. But while facilities want to preserve their residents’ physical health, they will also want to continue meeting those residents' social and emotional needs. Many care centers will give residents access to devices that allow them to video chat with loved ones. Or friends and families can schedule window meetings so that residents can interact with their loved ones in the same space without close contact.

Residents can even interact with associates outside of normal care procedures through video. And activities departments are always coming up with new ways for residents to remain active while they practice social distancing.

While life at skilled care facilities has changed for the time-being, the general commitment to quality care and safety has not. Nurses, therapists, dietary professionals, and other members of care teams are fully prepared to broaden their accommodations when this difficult time comes to an end.

Until then, feel free to call your local skilled care facility to see how they can serve you and your family now or in the near future. Care and service for you and your loved ones will always be available. Stay healthy, stay informed and stay positive! *

As of June 29, Kentucky residents may resume visitation at assisted living and personal care homes, group activities (10 or fewer) in facilities, communal dining and off-site appointments. On July 15, visitation also resumed in nursing homes and in Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF-IIDs). However, visitors and volunteers are urged to continue social distancing and wear a mask.