The admissions process was handled well at the SNF, and we met the director, marketing liaison, and director of nursing in a welcoming visit.  Thankfully Mother came in during the week, as many of these managers are often not available on Friday evenings, or over the weekend, the interval following frequent Friday afternoon discharges from hospitals to geriatric care facilities.  But the first night experience was still ahead, and my experience in care management was only beginning.

Visiting a sobbing Mother the next morning, I learned that she thought help would arrive quickly after she pushed her “Help” button, and it didn’t come for over an hour after her 4am page.  Her accident was totally avoidable, but staffing during third shift was so low that timely rounds and responses were nearly impossible.  After a one-on-one meeting with the director and a frank discussion of expectations and responsibilities, her page was answered promptly from then on.  Fortunately we were right there and not timid in asking for improved service.  My thoughts now focus on those families that don’t have the good fortune of being in the same city during a crisis or rehabilitation.  Eldercare from fifty or over a thousand miles away nearly always stresses both caregivers and their parents sometimes beyond belief.

Learning that Medicare covered the first 20 days in the SNF when preceded by 3 nights in the hospital, we concentrated on making her stay as comfortable as possible.  We quickly moved in her credenza and chair from her home, her TV, and her CDs and stereo.  This turned out to be a great idea, and others facing a similar situation should seriously consider doing it – even if the SNF doesn’t encourage it.  Next came physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) to increase her mobility.  Luckily she didn’t need speech therapy (ST).  PT was performed by in-house employees (it is often outsourced), and all went well toward her 30 step benchmark test.

For more information on Medicare coverage of Skilled Nursing Facility care, please click here.