Skilled Nursing ~ Rehabililtation vs. Rehabilitation

At my age I always expected to have an experience with a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility if one of my parents needed one.  I lost my father in 2004, then my mother in 2013.  Never expecting that I would need a rehab facility, the hospital gave me a long list of them.  Making phone calls to facilities close to me, family and friends, cost was essential.  I would be required to pay out of pocket and 30 days in advance.  Another Ka-Ching!

There is a difference between skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities and I realize that it must meet your budget.  But I also understand that the environment you place yourself or a loved one is important in recovery and happiness.  Because it was me needing a rehab facility, I couldn't go to inspect the facility.  Fortunate to have my step-father here in Florida at the time, he was great at visiting and bringing me things I needed.  Now I had to rely on his opinion.

General questions to ask when looking for a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility:

• How many Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA's) to # of patients?
• How many residents to a room?
• Is there a TV and phone?  How many TV's?
• Food:  How many options are given and how many substitutions?  Do they accommodate special need meals?  Where are they served?
• How much is physical therapy?  If it is self pay or isn't covered under health insurance.
• What are visiting hours? 
• What activities do you offer?
• Is there security on site?

Being released the first time from the hospital to a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in Clearwater, FL, I was truly nervous.  I wasn't able to stand on my own, requiring assistance in every aspect, scared to say the least.  At first, I arrived and was required to be weighed.  I was severely obese and had lost about 20+ pounds while in the hospital.  I needed to be placed in a wheelchair.  It was the first time, I had been transported there by a stretcher and I was anxious about how they would handle me.  Initially, the CNA's that afternoon were cautious with me.  It was over time that I felt my care was in question. 

Meals were served in the dining room or in your bed.  A menu was provided so you could choose, lunch and dinner.  You had the choice of two options and your substitutes were a grilled cheese or another sandwich.  I was there for a week and in that time, I had 3 grilled cheese sandwiches.  One night for dinner, corned beef has was served.  Not my cup of tea!  Plus I had a salad with my meals and they only served ranch dressing.  I was advised that if I wanted Italian dressing, I could purchase a bottle and place it into a refrigerator (that I would have to purchase also). 

My roommate was a senior who couldn't hear and kept to herself.  The room had 1 TV for the both of us and lacked decor.  Fortunately, she spent her time up and around through the day and I was bedridden.  I had control of the TV, yippee!  My nurses were great, coming in to give me my medication.  It was a time when I started refusing some of the medication the hospital had me on.  Because I had pain, on morphine, steroids and more.  I had been diligent with being alert so decisions were made without cloudiness. 

Some of my CNA's were great, but there were a few that handled me roughly, uncaringly.  One afternoon, two put me in the bed, then I said wait a minute.  They walked out and left me there, I was weak and couldn't get myself correctly in bed and still needed help.  I could see how skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities get a bad reputation.  These two instances, food and care is where I believe cost should be key in deciding a facility.  It was later discovered by the physical therapist that I had an acute fracture in my left hip and they couldn't work with me.  I was sent back to the hospital.  Thankfully, I would not return there.

Once at the hospital and second stay without health insurance.  I was advised I needed a hip replacement.  This was my first surgery requiring me to go under the knife.  It wouldn't be long before I was released and had to choose again a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility.  Luckily, I kept my notes on them from my last hospital stay.  The facility I liked best was financially out of my reach before, but my HMO health insurance would go into effect soon and was one of their facility choices.  The Largo, FL facility ended up being the right place for me.  Menus offered a variety to choose including alternates.  Yes, they had Italian dressing as well as others.  The staff was pleasant and caring, never being handled roughly and the physical therapy was great.  Their décor pleasant and comfortable, each resident had their own TV too.

The difference in cost between the two skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities was $135 per day/room & board.  I truly believe that a person's happiness is important in their recovery.  It is simple, but décor, location and meal selection is imperative for any individual.  I spent 54 days in the Largo, FL facility.  I felt happy and cared for even during the days I couldn't wait to get out and go home.

Again, it all depends on your budget when considering short or long term skilled nursing and rehabilitation care.  I also recommend getting an insurance policy while young and healthy.  You never know what life puts in front of you.

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I have setup a GoFundMe page for donations to help with my medical bills.  Your generosity is humbling and appreciated.

Be genuine, share yourself and have a fabulous day!  Susan (aka SuzzzyGal)