What are skilled nursing facilities?

If you are planning to undergo a major surgery, such as a joint replacement, your doctor may have suggested that you consider a skilled nursing facility for your recovery and rehabilitation. But what exactly is a skilled nursing facility, and what are the benefits of recovering in one?  Read on to find out.  

What are skilled nursing facilities?

A skilled nursing facility is a healthcare institution that provides 24-hour care to individuals who require medical attention and rehabilitation services due to illness, injury, surgery, or disability. These facilities, sometimes called SNFs, offer specialized medical care, skilled nursing services, and rehabilitation services such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Skilled nursing facilities typically provide short-term care for patients who are recovering from acute illnesses or surgeries and need additional support before they can safely return home. They also offer long-term care for individuals with chronic medical conditions, such as dementia or Parkinson's disease, who require ongoing medical care and assistance with daily living activities.

Skilled nursing facilities are licensed and regulated by state and federal governments to ensure that they meet certain standards of care. They are staffed by licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants, therapists, and other healthcare professionals who work together to provide comprehensive care to their patients.

Benefits of skilled nursing facilities

Skilled nursing facilities provide a range of benefits for individuals who require medical care and support beyond what can be provided at home. Some of the key benefits of include:

• Medical Care

Skilled nursing facilities offer 24-hour medical care provided by licensed nurses and medical professionals. They are equipped to handle a wide range of medical conditions and offer specialized care for those with chronic illnesses or complex medical needs.

• Rehabilitation Services

SNFs often offer rehabilitation services, including physical therapy San Diego, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. These services can help individuals recover from injuries, illnesses, or surgeries and improve their overall physical function.

• Personal Care

Skilled nursing facilities also provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They can also offer medication management and other personal care services.

• Social Interaction 

Many skilled nursing facilities offer social activities and events that can help residents build relationships with others and prevent isolation.

• Nutritional Support

Skilled nursing facilities offer specialized diets and nutritional support for individuals who require it, such as those with swallowing difficulties or other medical conditions that impact their dietary needs.

• Safety and Security

SNFs are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for residents. They often have 24-hour security, emergency response systems, and staff trained in fall prevention and other safety measures.

Overall, skilled nursing facilities can provide comprehensive medical care, rehabilitation services, personal care, social interaction, and safety and security for individuals who require it.

Before choosing a skilled nursing facility, it's important to research and compare different facilities in your area. Consider factors such as the quality of care, the qualifications and experience of the staff, the availability of specialized services, and the cost of care. It's also important to discuss your options with your healthcare provider and insurance provider to ensure that your needs are met and your care is covered.

5-Star Skilled Nursing Facility in San Diego | Bella Vista Health Center

Bella Vista Health Center is a 5-star skilled nursing facility in San Diego. This is the highest rating attainable by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and  to achieve it, a skilled nursing facility must provide exceptional care that meets or exceeds national standards in three areas: health inspections, staffing, and quality measures. By choosing Bella Vista Health Center, patients and their families have peace of mind, knowing that they are receiving the best possible care.

Are You Looking For a Rewarding Career In The Healthcare Industry?

Looking for a stable, fulfilling, and well-paying job?  You may want to consider a career in the healthcare industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 13% from 2021 to 2031, leading to over 2 million new job openings. This number doesn’t even account for the additional openings left by aging baby boomer healthcare professionals who are retiring out of the industry. In other words, if you’re looking for a rewarding career in the healthcare industry, now is a great time to get started.  

Benefits of working in the healthcare industry

Whether you’re changing careers or just getting started, joining the thriving healthcare industry can benefit you in many ways. Here are just a few of the benefits of working in the healthcare industry. 

1. Opportunity to make a positive impact every day

Healthcare workers get to help people every single day.  No matter what type of role you play, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that your work makes a difference in people’s lives. 

1. Available positions for all educational levels

The healthcare industry offers employment opportunities for people with high school diplomas, college degrees, and advanced medical degrees.  And no matter where you start, there are always opportunities for career advancement as well. 

1. Stimulating work environment

Many healthcare environments are fast paced, and the work tends not to be repetitive. Even when your job duties are the same, you’ll be able to work with new people and navigate new challenges. In the healthcare field, no two days are the same.

1. Career stability

According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, the healthcare industry remains stable even when other sectors are not faring well. In fact, the research shows that healthcare employment often increases in severe local economic downturns.

1. Competitive pay and benefits

Jobs in healthcare are in high demand, so pay and benefits are usually competitive. Paid time off, vision care, healthcare packages, performance bonuses and other benefits help attract and retain workers and add to their job satisfaction as well. 

Nursing facility careers in San Diego at Bella Vista Health Center 

Bella Vista Health Center is a 5-star skilled nursing facility with an excellent reputation in the community. We’re committed to creating a warm, caring environment for patients, families, and each other.  If you’re looking for a rewarding job in the healthcare industry, we’re looking for you, too!  Our current openings include:

• Registered Nurse (RN)

• Restorative Nurse Assistant (RNA)

• Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)

• Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

• Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON)

• Physical Therapist

• CNA Shower Aide

• Weekend Dietary Aide (Saturday and Sunday)

• Full-time Dietary Aide

• Laundry Aide - Part-time

• Ask us about our CNA Certification Scholarship!

Bella Vista Health Center provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status or genetics. Bella Vista Health Center complies with applicable federal, states, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

For more information, please call Patricia Lee, Staff Recruiter at (619)-644-1000 x 219 or send an email to patricia@bellavistahealth.com today! 

3 Steps to Recovering From Surgery With Short-Term Rehab

Advancements in medical technologies over the past few decades have done so much to help us live long, healthy lives. Some of these medical advancements involve surgical intervention, and while surgery is never fun, many surgeries can significantly improve our health and our quality of life. A bypass surgery, for example, is designed to improve heart function, and a joint replacement surgery is designed to help a person move without pain and stiffness. If you needed either of these surgeries, they could improve your ability to participate in the activities you love. But before you could ski the slopes, take your grandkids to Disneyland, or learn to stand up paddleboard, you’d need to recover from the surgery itself. 

For some people a hospital-to-home recovery is sufficient, but others need a little more time before they’re ready to return to independent living. For patients who require extended recovery time, skilled nursing facilities like Bella Vista Health Center offer short-term rehabilitation programs. Here’s the best way to optimize your recovery in a short-term rehab facility.

3 steps to recovering from surgery with short-term rehab

Most people find post-surgery short-term rehab extremely beneficial and comforting as well.  These comprehensive therapy programs are designed to help you build strength, restore function, and return to independence as quickly as possible. By offering round-the-clock care as well as top-notch amenities and services in a comfortable environment, these rehab facilities give patients the freedom to focus on their healing and recovery.

If you’re planning to undergo surgery, or if you know someone who is, take a look at these 3 steps to recovering from surgery with short-term rehab. 

1. Choose the right rehab program

The further in advance you start looking for a rehab facility, the better the chance you have of finding the perfect program for you. Of course, it’s not always possible to get an early start, but if you can shop around ahead of time, it’s a good idea.  Things to look for in a short-term rehab facility include:

●      A clean, comfortable environment (visit in-person if you can)

●      Doctors and therapists on staff 24-hours

●      Appropriate therapies and services for your condition

●      An interdisciplinary approach to the recovery process (communication among providers)

●      Compassionate, caring support staff

The more confident you feel about your chosen rehab facility, the more fully you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the process of your recovery.

1. Self-advocate from the beginning

No one knows more about you than you do. Only you know exactly how you feel, what you’re experiencing, what’s working for you, and what’s not. It’s important that you play an active role in your rehabilitation from the treatment planning phase all the way through to your graduation from the program. This means speaking up for yourself, asking as many questions as you need to, keeping track of details to share with your providers, and communicating your needs. Self-advocacy is an important part of ensuring a comprehensive recovery so you can navigate your way back to health and independent living.

1. Commit and see it through

One of the great benefits of recovery in a short-term rehab program is that your daily needs are taken care of, so you are free to focus on your recovery. It’s important to take advantage of this time and fully commit to the rehabilitation program. How you approach these days immediately following your surgery can have a lasting impact on your strength, stamina, mobility, and your overall health. Even if the exercises your therapists ask you to do are not enjoyable in the moment, they could pave the way for years of enjoyment ahead. The more you commit to your rehab now, the stronger you’ll get, and the sooner you can get back to doing the things you love.

Short-term rehab in San Diego | Bella Vista Health Center

At Bella Vista Health Center, we’re committed to providing the best short-term rehab program San Diego has to offer. We offer the highest quality individualized care, personal attention, and the comforts of home in our 5-Star skilled nursing facility in Lemon Grove. Our team is dedicated to empowering patients and helping them get back to independent living as quickly as possible. For more information about our short-term rehab program, give us a call at (619) 644-1000 today.