Skilled Nursing Facility

Skilled Nursing Facility

Ruby – Rosie’s Mom
Jay – Rosie’s Dad

A Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF—commonly pronounced “sniff”) typically has its costs covered by insurance, providing a layer of financial relief. When it’s time to transfer a loved one from a hospital, you generally have the freedom to choose which facility they will move to, ensuring their care aligns with personal preferences and needs.

The tranquility of a routine evening shattered when my mother’s screams pierced the air, a distressing prelude to the discovery of my father crumpled on the bathroom floor, a victim of a sudden heart attack. The ensuing days were a blur of hospital corridors, whispered conversations, and the pervasive scent of antiseptics as my father fought to regain his strength.

Upon his stabilization, the doctor’s words, “We will discharge him to a SNF,” introduced me to an acronym that was about to become a significant part of our lives. 

Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF – pronounced Sniff), I learned, was a bridge in the healthcare continuum, a place where patients transitioned from the acute care of a hospital to the eventual goal of returning home. 

Someone from the hospital discharge team came and informed me hours before my dad was to be discharged, “We have found an open bed at the facility in La Jolla, near prospect.”

Given that it was an even more affluent neighborhood than where we lived, I imagined the place to be clean, beautiful, and well run. I was in for a big surprise when we arrived. The staff was hard to pin down to get simple answers. 

The floor did not look clean, and I was unsure that my dad would get help in going to the restroom in the middle of the night in a timely manner.

I asked my friend who came to help me for the day, “Could you please stay with my mom for the night?”. I was so grateful to her that she agreed.

I stayed the night with dad, slept on the chair next to his bed. He was too tired to argue, otherwise I know he would have sent me home to rest. He got up twice in the middle of the night to go to the restroom and the first time someone came within 3 minutes of him ringing the bell. That I thought was an acceptable time.

However, when he rang for help at 4:30am in the morning, I helped him to get to the restroom. I know that made him very uncomfortable to have his daughter help him. Someone finally showed up in 30 minutes and said, “So sorry, we are understaffed tonight, do you still need help?”

The next morning, I called the insurance company and asked if he could be moved to another SNF. To my surprise, they told me yes that was possible and gave me a list of SNFs that were covered in his plan. 

I then embarked on a quest to find the best care for my father, a task I approached with the naivety of a first timer.

The facility I chose was a compromise of proximity, cleanliness and staff warmth, criteria that seemed paramount at the time. In retrospect, the experience taught me the importance of delving deeper, of considering factors like the qualifications of the medical staff, the frequency of their visits, and the facility’s overall rating and patient satisfaction scores. 

Also, conversations with other caregivers, stealthily initiated in the quiet corners of hallways, would have offered invaluable insights into the daily realities of the care provided.

Navigating the intricacies of insurance coverage added another layer to the already complex situation. The negotiations around the level of care and the duration of my father’s stay in the SNF were a delicate dance of advocacy, a relentless pursuit to ensure he received the maximum benefit allowed under our plan.

This journey through the healthcare system, with its unforeseen challenges and steep learning curves, underscored the profound responsibility of caregiving. It was a chapter that reshaped my understanding of patient care, insurance dynamics, and the critical role of informed decision-making in the quest to secure the best possible outcome for a loved one.

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Welcome to Sunny Hills

Marjorie’s Story

Sunny Hills, a renowned nursing facility in California, was built with the sole purpose of ensuring seniors live their lives happily and healthily. The facility boasted a beautiful garden, spacious rooms, and a variety of activities designed to keep residents engaged and active.

Marjorie was enjoying her lunch in the facility’s main dining hall with her caregiver, Daniel. The hall was filled with natural light, and the aroma of freshly prepared food filled the air. As they chatted about the upcoming bingo night, Marjorie noticed a family walking by, clearly on a tour of the facility.

Susie, Emmett, and their elderly parents, Helene and Abel, were taking in the surroundings. A staff member guided them, highlighting the various amenities. “We offer a variety of activities here to keep our residents engaged,” the staff member said. “And we have two on-site restaurants for special meals.”

They approached Marjorie’s table, and the staff member smiled. “Marjorie, this is Susie and Emmett, and these are their parents, Helene and Abel. They’re considering moving in and were wondering if they could ask you a few questions.”

Marjorie smiled warmly. “Of course! Please, have a seat.”

As the family settled in, Susie asked, “How do you like living here, Marjorie?”

“I love it,” Marjorie replied without hesitation. “The staff is wonderful, and there’s always something fun to do. We have regular bingo games, and the art classes are fantastic.”

Helene looked curious. “What about meals? Do you have to eat in your room?”

Marjorie shook her head. “Not at all. We have the option to make meals in our rooms, but I prefer the dining hall or one of the two restaurants we have here. It’s nice to change things up, and my family loves joining me for dinner here.”

Abel asked, “How often do you see your family?”

“They visit me all the time,” Marjorie said. “It’s great because I can host them in my room or we can go out to the garden or one of the restaurants. It feels like a home away from home.”

Susie’s main concern was the level of care. “And how about the caregivers? Are they attentive?”

Daniel, her caregiver, smiled. “We check in with Marjorie twice a day to make sure she takes her meds and that her health is good. And she can call us any time she needs something.”

Marjorie nodded. “Daniel is wonderful. He’s always there when I need him, but I still feel independent.”

The family seemed reassured by Marjorie’s words. They thanked her for her time and continued their tour. As they walked away, Helene turned to Susie and Emmett. “This place really does seem wonderful. I think we’d be happy here.”

Marjorie watched them go, feeling grateful for her life at Sunny Hills. It was a place where she felt cared for, yet independent, surrounded by friends and family.

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A Daughter’s Care

Melody and Her Parent’s Story

Melody had always been close to her parents, Caroline and Roman. As they aged, their health began to decline, and Melody worried constantly about their well-being. Caroline’s arthritis made it hard for her to move around, and Roman had been showing signs of early dementia. Melody knew she needed to find a solution to ensure they received the care they needed.

One evening, after another stressful day, Melody visited her parents to discuss a difficult topic. “Mom, Dad, I think it’s time we consider moving you both to a place where you can get the help you need,” she said gently.

Caroline looked concerned. “We don’t want to leave our home, Melody. We’ve lived here for so long.”

Roman nodded in agreement. “This is where all our memories are.”

Melody took a deep breath. “I know, but I’m really worried about you both. There’s a facility called Rosewood Gardens that offers excellent care and will ensure you’re safe and comfortable. It will also give me peace of mind knowing you’re being looked after properly.”

After much discussion and persuasion, Caroline and Roman agreed to visit the facility. Rosewood Gardens was a modern, welcoming place with beautiful gardens, spacious living areas, and a variety of activities for the residents. The staff were friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was lively yet serene.

During their tour, they met the facility manager, who explained, “We offer personalized care plans for each resident, ensuring their individual needs are met. Our staff is here 24/7 to provide assistance.”

Caroline was impressed. “It’s lovely here. It doesn’t feel like a nursing home.”

Melody smiled. “I knew you’d like it. And I’ll visit you all the time. It’s close to my office.”

Roman still had his reservations. “What about our independence?”

The manager reassured him. “Our goal is to support you while allowing you to maintain as much independence as possible. You can participate in as many or as few activities as you like, and your family can visit anytime.”

After the tour, they sat in the garden to discuss their decision. Caroline looked at Melody, “If it makes you feel better, we’ll do it.”

Roman nodded. “We’ll give it a try.”

Melody felt a wave of relief. “Thank you. I promise this will be a good change.”

A week later, Caroline and Roman moved into Rosewood Gardens. The transition was challenging, but the support from the staff and Melody’s frequent visits made it easier. Caroline joined a knitting club, and Roman enjoyed the book club and occasional walks in the garden.

One evening, as they sat together in their new home, Caroline turned to Roman. “This isn’t so bad. It feels like a community here.”

Roman smiled. “I agree. And it’s nice knowing Melody doesn’t have to worry so much.”

The move had been difficult, but it was the right decision. Caroline and Roman found comfort in their new home, surrounded by support and love, while Melody found peace knowing her parents were well cared for.

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