If your loved one requires 24/7 medical attention or monitoring due to a severe illness or injury, a nursing home can be an excellent option to ensure they receive the care they need. These facilities are Medicare-certified and subject to rigorous inspections.

They offer 24-hour healthcare supervision in a structured environment overseen by physicians. They also provide rehabilitation services like physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

The Environment

If your loved one requires round-the-clock medical attention, a skilled nursing facility may be a suitable option. This type of care is offered in Life Plan Communities, hospitals, and other licensed locations that provide Medicare and Medicaid-covered long-term care services.

When visiting a potential facility, use your five senses to assess the environment. Smell for foul odors and see how clean the rooms are. Touch the walls and railings to determine if they are clean. Please observe the staff’s interactions with the residents and ensure that call bells are answered promptly.

Missouri has a home and community-based service waiver program that helps financially limited seniors who need a nursing facility and level of care to live in their own homes or with family instead of moving into a long-term care facility. 

The Staff

The staff at a nursing home are the heart of a facility. They provide compassionate care to patients and help them live as independently as possible. The state must license nurses, therapists, and other caregivers to work in long-term care facilities. It means they’ve received education and training that qualifies them to work in this field.

A skilled nursing home facility Missouri provides 24-hour care and observation of individuals who require constant medical attention and treatment they can’t get from their homes. However, not all individuals who need long-term care need this level of care. Some can receive assistance through Medicaid waiver programs to live in their homes and communities rather than a nursing home.

The Food

A quality SNF will ensure all residents receive three healthy meals per day that are adequately prepared. Each resident’s personal care plan must be completed within 14 days of their admission and revised at least every 90 days (or earlier if they have a change in medical condition). A dietician or other qualified professional should regularly assess each resident’s dietary needs, and food service supervisors must ensure that meals meet these needs.

Long gone are the days when SNF operators could dole out milk and crackers as a snack to appease hunger. Now, many providers are offering a variety of nutritious choices as part of their dining offerings, including restaurant-style dining at some locations. It is essential for seniors who have dietary restrictions or preferences.

The Activities

One of the most important things to consider is what activities your loved ones will have access to. It will help keep their mind and body active and happy, which is vital. For example, if your loved one enjoys being outdoors, you can take them on a walk around the facility to see the flowers and animals!

Skilled nursing facilities specialize in the 24-hour care and observation of individuals whose needs are critical enough to require constant monitoring but not severe enough to warrant hospitalization. The facility is licensed and certified by the State and Medicare.

Some seniors may qualify for specific Medicaid waiver plans, like Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), that allow them to stay in their homes and communities rather than a nursing home if they meet functional criteria.

The Rooms

If you see residents milling around the lobby area, this is a good sign; it means they are getting out and socializing rather than just sitting in their rooms. It also shows that the home encourages interaction and cares about its residents’ quality of life.

The state’s Medicaid program will pay for some long-term care in a nursing home for seniors who meet income, asset, and citizenship requirements. Seniors can also use private funds to cover costs if they prefer.