Our skilled nursing unit provides skilled nursing care, skilled rehabilitation, and other medical services on a daily basis to patients who are under the direct supervision of a physician. A licensed nurse or therapist (physical, occupational or speech) works with individuals with disabilities or medical problems requiring daily therapy, nursing intervention or observation—but who do not require a hospital setting.
Purpose
The Skilled Nursing Unit at T.J. Samson Community Hospital provides the necessary level of medical and around-the-clock care for individuals who no longer require the specialized care of a hospital setting. Skilled services may be provided in a long-term care facility, a rehabilitation center, or a distinct section of our hospital.
Other services may include social services, discharge planning, patient education and daily activities such as pet therapy and social games.
Common services include:
- Rehabilitation after joint replacement or joint surgery
- Rehabilitation for recent stroke patients
- Tube feedings
- IV medications, such as antibiotics
- Care plan management and teaching, such as for a new colostomy or a diabetes diagnosis requiring insulin
Short-term rehab:
- Orthopedic surgeries
- Cardiac patients
- Neurological/Stroke recovery
- Respiratory illness
- Strengthening after recent illness/surgery for preparation to return home
Other services:
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Nutritional assessment
- Pulmonary and cardiac services
- Respiratory therapy
- Wound care
Benefits
- Our continuum of care after your recent hospital stay requires no facility transfer. You will continue treatment with the same staff members who are familiar with your therapy needs.
- T.J. Samson offers the services you need in-house. This great convenience has a positive impact on your care. Most specialist appointments/orders usually take place within 24 hours of the order, which is much faster than waiting for an in-office appointment.
- The average length of stay is 10 to 14 days. This varies with each patient.
Eligibility
- Medicare requires a three-day qualifying stay in a hospital.
- A physician must certify skilled care is needed on admission, by day 14, and every 30 days thereafter.
- An individual must be treated for a condition that was during the qualifying hospital stay, or one that arose while in the skilled nursing facility.
- Medicare guidelines must be met for admission; the services must be deemed reasonable and necessary and provided on an in-patient basis.
- Referrals may be made for skilled care by anyone; however, the patient must meet the eligibility requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. This is highly encouraged. We can reserve a bed before you have surgery. This is one less thing for you to worry about. Any preplanned stay will be relayed to the Case Management Department. If you have a replacement policy, the pre-certification process with the insurance company can begin sooner, so as not to delay your transition home.
Yes. While we know T.J. Samson Community Hospital can meet your medical needs, we respect your right to seek services elsewhere. Please contact Case Management on the Skilled Nursing Unit if you would like to receive short-term therapy.
New Centers for Medicare & Medicaid models now cover more respiratory therapy admissions than in the past. The T.J. Samson Skilled Nursing Unit has a respiratory therapist on-site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please call us for more information about the eligibility criteria.