What is a skilled nursing facility?

A skilled nursing facility provides nursing care and rehabilitative services to individuals recovering from an illness, injury, or surgery. Patients are typically referred to a skilled nursing facility by their physician when they no longer need to be hospitalized, but aren’t yet ready to return to independent living. Through individualized programs that include physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy, patients are empowered to rehabilitate back to their personal best.

What is the difference between skilled nursing and assisted living?

Both skilled nursing and assisted living facilities help residents perform activities of daily living, such as bathing, grooming, and dressing. The biggest difference between the two is that skilled nursing facilities can offer a higher level of medical care to patients after a hospitalization. Assisted living facilities are more residential in nature and can only provide medication administration and management.

What types of care are available at skilled nursing facilities?

At Bella Vista Health Center, we offer physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and post-acute rehabilitation to bridge the gap between hospital and home. Most skilled nursing facilities, including ours, also have medical doctors, nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, and registered dietitians on staff.  

Will my health insurance pay for my stay at a skilled nursing facility?

Many health insurance policies cover skilled nursing facilities. For a complete list of insurance providers accepted at Bella Vista Health Center, please refer to our “Finance” page. We also accept private pay, commercial insurance, and workers’ compensation.

What is a 5-star skilled nursing facility?

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services developed a rating system for nursing facilities to help families compare short- and long-term care options for their loved ones. There is one overall rating for each facility and a separate rating for each of the following: health inspections, quality measures, and staffing. Bella Vista Health Center is proud to maintain a 5-star rating for excellence in patient care.

What types of activities are offered at skilled nursing facilities?

At Bella Vista Health Center, we want each patient’s stay to be both therapeutic and enjoyable. That’s why we offer a variety of social, creative, physical, and educational activities that appeal to all residents. Our staff works hard to make sure everyone feels welcome by planning group outings, birthday celebrations, yoga and meditation classes, and live music events. We also offer salon and concierge services to make your stay comfortable and convenient.

What is the food like?

A common misconception about nursing homes is that the food is boring and bland. In reality, many skilled nursing facilities are taking great strides to provide residents with meals that are both nutritious and delicious. At Bella Vista Health Center, we have a registered dietitian on staff that can make special meals to accommodate allergies and medical conditions, as well as dietary preferences and religious needs. 

To learn more about Bella Vista Health Center’s skilled nursing facility or our rehabilitative programs, please call us at (619) 644-1000. Feel free to check out our skilled nursing blog HERE.