Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Skilled nursing is a necessity

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There comes a time when home care is no longer a viable option because the individual needs more than a single-care provider can supply. Their needs are many and complex, and they require a multitude of coordinated medical services that need constant monitoring.

I have worked in several skilled-nursing facilities in southern Idaho on a professional level. The medical issues of these residents are constantly at the forefront and it is a balancing act to keep the residents alive, well and functional. Home care simply cannot provide, even on a 24-hour basis, the level of care and needs of these residents. This is a different level of care and not something that can be provided by volunteers, even with their best intentions. As well, to provide for the needs of these patients at home on a skilled level with 24-hour care would be prohibitively expensive and an inefficient use of funds.

Home health services, which are skilled services and also another level of care and one that I have worked in, have their limitations as well. The needs of the individual must be for skilled care to be provided as mandated by Medicare. These services are there to get them over their crisis, at which time services end. This is not available long-term.

There is certainly a place for home care and assisted living, but it is misleading and short-sighted to say they can substitute for the needs of this population; they simply cannot. Let the Senior Connection be successful in its arena but do not confuse the two levels of care. That is why tri-level facilities like Croy Canyon were created—because life is a continuum. That is why it is essential that we maintain Blaine Manor until the goal of Croy Canyon can be reached.

Remember, most of the time skilled care is not a choice but a necessity.

Donna Alfs

Physical therapist

Geriatric specialist

Ketchum

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