Skilled nursing refers to a high level of medical care that is provided by licensed health professionals. At Burcham Hills, our skilled nursing care is delivered within our senior living community and provides 24-hour licensed nursing care. This area primarily provides long-term skilled nursing care or rehabilitative therapies for patients and residents who need medical or nursing care and is ideal for those with chronic medical conditions or disabilities, those in chronic pain or those who require around-the-clock care and supervision by licensed skilled nursing professionals.

The skilled nursing area of a senior living community is not like a hospital. Many patients and residents utilize this area of care after a hospital stay. While this area of the community does provide advanced levels of ongoing long-term care and short-term rehabilitative services, the suites and spaces are designed to be warm and comfortable and reflect a home-like environment.

To qualify for skilled nursing care, one must meet certain health-related criteria and, often, insurance requirements. Each patient's situation is unique, and qualifications for skilled nursing care may vary based on individual health conditions, insurance policies, and local regulations. It's important for patients and their families to consult with healthcare providers and insurance representatives to understand specific eligibility requirements. Here are the key factors that usually qualify a patient for skilled nursing care: Medical Necessity: Medical necessity is the primary criterion for skilled nursing services. This means the patient requires care that can only be provided by licensed nursing professionals, such as wound care and administration of intravenous medications. Physician's Order: A physician must order skilled nursing care, indicating that such care is necessary for the treatment of the patient’s condition. Recent Hospitalization: Many insurance plans, including Medicare, require a preceding hospital stay for a certain number of days before skilled nursing care is covered. For Medicare, for example, this is typically a three-day minimum inpatient hospital stay. Daily Care Needs: The patient must need daily care for a condition that was treated during the hospital stay or for a condition that arose while receiving care in a skilled nursing center for a hospital-related condition. Rehabilitation Potential: Patients who require intensive rehabilitation services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy, often qualify for skilled nursing care. Chronic Conditions: Individuals with chronic medical conditions requiring regular monitoring and management may qualify for skilled nursing care. These conditions often include diabetes, heart disease, respiratory illnesses and other long-term health issues. Level of Care: The level of care required must be such that it can only be safely and effectively performed by, or under the supervision of, professional or technical personnel. Insurance Coverage: Eligibility can also depend on the patient's insurance coverage. Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance policies have specific guidelines and criteria for what qualifies as skilled nursing care.

While memory care is focused on providing support and a safe environment for those with dementia, skilled nursing care is more medically intensive and curated for individuals with significant healthcare needs. However, it's possible for a person to require both types of care, depending on their overall health and cognitive status. Memory Care: Memory care is specialized care specifically designed for individuals with memory impairments, such as Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. At Burcham Hills, our memory care focuses on providing a safe, structured environment with set routines to lower stress for people with memory loss. Our staff is specially trained to provide resident-centered care and assist with daily living activities. We offer Heartfelt Connections – a Memory Care ProgramTM that emphasizes the abilities that remain, creating personalized programs and activities designed to enhance cognitive function and quality of life. Skilled Nursing Care: The skilled nursing care offered at Burcham Hills provides a high level of medical care provided by trained individuals, such as Registered Nurses, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and other licensed professionals. This type of care is often necessary for individuals recovering from illness, surgery or an injury, or for those with chronic medical conditions requiring close medical monitoring and treatment. The care is often more medically intensive than what is provided in a memory care setting. Overlap: Some individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia may also require skilled nursing care due to other health conditions. In such cases, they might reside in a skilled nursing center that also offers memory care services, like Burcham Hills. A person with advanced dementia, for instance, might need skilled nursing care for feeding tubes, wound care or other complex medical needs.