Skilled Nursing Care

When your loved one is ready to be discharged from either the hospital or a rehabilitation center, their attending physician will order skilled home nursing, physical therapy and/or occupational therapy if they believe it is necessary. A schedule will be developed and usually begins the first week after the patient returns home. Medicare pays for this short-term care because it is deemed medically necessary and was ordered by the physician.

These visits will last anywhere from ½ to 1 hour, 2 to 3 times per week, but only for a week or two. The registered nurses will check vitals; blood pressure, temperature, pulse and, if applicable, oxygen levels and sometimes weight. They will also make sure that the patient is adapting to any medications that the doctor ordered. The therapists will work on home exercises and performing activities of daily living.

Gladden’s team of caregivers work alongside these professionals during these visits offering observations of the client’s physical and mental status, and receiving instructions for continued care of the client to prevent readmission.