Rehab, Skilled, and Post-Acute Facilities are not all the same, nor is it easy to determine the best fit for yourself or a loved one. CRISTA Senior Living can help you navigate the process. Take a look at these ten characteristics to look for in a Rehab & Skilled Care Facility:
- A Community with a Touch of Home
Does the community have a home-like feel? Is it cheerful in décor, have a caring atmosphere, pleasant and smiling staff members, and beautiful grounds? Often times the website portrays a much different picture. Take a tour of the community. Skilled Nursing homes should be happy to accommodate your request. - Professional and Caring Staff
Do the staff members have a strong understanding of the residents to whom they provide care? Are they connected and engaged with their patients, or is there an uncaring or complacent attitude? Often times, you will find this in communities who use nursing agencies to staff their community. Research shows that residents with a strong connection to their staff have a much more meaningful life. - Engaging Wellness Programs
Are the activities and wellness programs engaging? Is the staff interacting meaningfully with the residents and patients? Activities which cover a wide continuum of functional abilities, from fully independent to advanced dementia, are critical for healing and connection. - Knowing and Following Standards and Regulations
Does the community fully embrace the Washington Administrative Code when it comes to Resident’s Rights? Respect, dignity, communication, and notice of fees are a few of the expectations. Is there a robust resident council and are the staff regularly trained in-service on the observance of resident rights? - Additional Services and Amenities
What ancillary services are provided? This may include transportation to and from medical appointments, regularly scheduled shopping trips, medical appointments and outside activities. Check if there is there a salon on-site, and ask if podiatry and dental services are available. - In-House Therapy Staffing
Is the therapy staff contracted through an agency or are they employed in-house? Reduced hospitalization rates are decreased with in-house therapy teams for PT, OT, and SLP. Also inquire about restorative therapies and social workers on staff. - Mental Health Providers
Do residents and patients needing mental health services have access to mental health providers on-site? Ensure the community works closely with mental health agencies and has easily accessible information to state programs (PASSR) as needed. - Medication Management
Is there a policy and focus on proper management of medications? Stewardship of ABO, regular review of psychotropic medication use, and use of non-pharmacological interventions whenever possible is critical. - Medical Director
Is there a Medical Director on-site? Some skilled and rehab facilities have collaborated with psychiatrists, medical providers, and ARNPs in order to provide oversight to care and give a stronger continuity of care. - Social Services Department
Is there a Social Services department that provides support to residents and families in the community? Social services aid in discharge planning, community resources, and educational/emotional support for families and residents. With cost cutting efforts in place, this department is often cut. Ensure the community has this important resource in place.
BONUS: Is there support for Medicaid applications? With dwindling resources for aging seniors, this is a very common question and an often misunderstood process.
CRISTA Senior Living is home to seniors 62 and older, with two campuses located in the Puget Sound and customized to suit your lifestyle. Cristwood, our Shoreline campus, is a Life Plan Community, with apartment living options for independent lifestyles to Assisted Living and Memory Care, Rehab & Skilled Care, and Long-Term Care. Crista Shores, our Silverdale campus, offers apartment living options for an independent lifestyle and assisted living.
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