Orthopedic surgery is used in the treatment of medical issues related to bones, ligaments, and tendons. Spinal procedures, along with hip and knee replacement surgeries are amongst the most performed orthopedic surgeries. Together, they total over a million surgeries performed annually in the United States. The average age of the recipients of these procedures is typically around 65+ years making them more vulnerable to hospital readmission risk factors.
Thanks to the vast strides in surgical technologies, risk factors during surgery have minimized and most patients are discharged to recuperate at home after 24-48 hours. However, there is the risk of unplanned readmissions which are usually a result of surgical site infections, or medical causes such as internal bleeding, or pulmonary embolisms.
The best way to limit readmission risk factors and successfully transition to a healthy post-op condition is to follow the protocol of going from the hospital to a Skilled Nursing Facility, and then recuperating at home under the care of a Certified Nurse Assistant or CNA.
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)
SNF’s are essentially temporary residences staffed with trained medical professionals like doctors, licensed nurses, physical, occupational, and speech therapists, and even audiologists. They provide 24/7 care and support for the rehabilitation treatment that is medically necessary after an orthopedic procedure or other serious illnesses that require supervised recovery like a stroke, heart attack or broken bones from a fall. Medical professionals in the SNF’s provide key services like wound or incision care, IV’s, injections, catheter care, monitoring vital signs, and then the requisite physical, occupational and/or speech therapy.
In the immediate days after a procedure or serious illness, SNF’s provide peace of mind to both the patient and their families with 24/7 professional care coverage. Navigating the days after a procedure can be challenging for family members and the medical professionals at a SNF are well-versed in many scenarios, equipped with supplies for any eventuality, and experienced enough to anticipate next steps for your loved one’s care.
According to Skilled Nursing News, most patients’ average length of stay in a SNF is about 30-60 days depending on a variety of factors like the severity of their condition, their recovery, and importantly, their insurance coverage. Most insurance companies only cover patients while they “medically require skilled nursing.” This means that if the patient is recovering well, they are likely to be discharged sooner, however, this does not mean that they are fully recovered. Staying in a SNF without insurance coverage is possible, but it’s a costly endeavor to pay out of pocket. The next step for most patients is to continue to recover at home under the care of a Certified Nursing Assistant or CNA.
CNA Care at Home
A CNA must complete a state-approved certification program before becoming a caregiver. They undergo rigorous training to ensure that they can provide quality, medical care to patients both in their home or at a facility.
The benefits of recuperating at home under the care of a CNA are immense. The patient has the familiarity of recovering in the comfort and privacy of their home after days or weeks away in hospital and SNF.
Care Mountain’s CNA’s provide support services including but not limited to the following:
- Daily care including bathing, dressing, eating, exercises as prescribed by medical professionals
- Light house cleaning
- Wound care and dressing (under supervision of our RN as part of an RN delegation service)
- Grocery shopping and preparing meals, running errands (e.g pick up prescriptions or groceries from the client’s neighborhood stores)
- Monitoring and recording patient’s vitals, general condition, food, and liquid intake
- Overseeing medication is taken timely
- Physical support for the patient in their home – utilizing a hospital bed and Hoyer lift, if needed
- Driving patient to occupational, physical, or speech therapy appointments or doctor appointments
The consistency of this personalized and attentive care in the client’s home makes for a steady and positive recovery and rehabilitation process. Along with attending physical, occupational, or speech therapy, this consistent and personalized approach to care is essential for a successful recovery.
When you work with Care Mountain to manage your in-home rehab home care needs, our commitment to ensuring continuous care, and executing a personalized care plan for your loved one is an invaluable service.
Our quality caregivers undergo national background checks, extensive reference checks, and in-person interviews to ensure that they can provide the expert and personalized care necessary for rehab success in the home.
2022-04-21 16:01:07
Successful Recovery and Rehab – In Home Care with Care Mountain
Gagan Bhalla is the Executive Director of Care Mountain Home Health Care. For over 19 years, Care Mountain has offered dedicated expertise in senior in-home care in the Dallas Fort Worth area. Managing seven locations across Texas, Gagan has committed his life to enhancing the well-being of seniors and their families needing home health care. Through insightful articles and blogs, he shares his wealth of knowledge, empowering families to make informed decisions about home care. Trust Gagan’s experience to guide you on the path to compassionate and professional senior care.