Sometimes, you need specialized care to help you get the most out of life. Whether you’ve had a recent operation, stroke or have been ill and need to build up your strength, skilled care is an opportunity to regain daily living skills. Some patients that have been in the hospital, may not need skilled care or may chose to recuperate at home; others may need more specialized care to help them get back the strength they may have lost.
Boone County Hospital (BCH) offers Medicare and Medicaid approved skilled nursing care to individuals of all ages in newly remodeled private and semi-private rooms for both long- and short-term stays. Swing beds are available on the 2nd floor acute care area of the hospital; 14 skilled beds are available on the 3rd floor.
“Our goal for skilled patients is to provide quality patient care and rehabilitation services so they can obtain a high level of independent functioning before returning home,” says Denise Turner, Director of Inpatient Services at BCH. “An operation or an illness can take a toll on anyone. We are here to help them gain back some of the strength that may of been lost due to their illness or surgery.”
Skilled care is available by physician referral. Even if you have surgery at a hospital other than Boone County Hospital, you can ask your physician to refer you to the BCH Skilled Care Unit. “For residents of Boone County, it’s a big benefit to have a skilled care unit available at the local hospital,” says Denise. “It seems to put people at ease knowing they can recuperate close to home and close to family.” Skilled care team members include: the patient’s physician, nurses, physical, occupational and speech therapists, respiratory therapists, social workers, an activities director and case manager.
Many benefits are offered through BCH Skilled Care including: easy accessibility to services, goal oriented physical, occupational and speech therapy, planned activities, weekly care conferences with patient, family and healthcare workers, family involvement and input, and 24 hour RN coverage and Pharmacy coverage. An additional benefit is that immediate medical attention is available if the need arises.
Licensed physical, occupational, and speech therapists work closely with each skilled patient in the hospital. Occupational therapy can also be provided in the comforts of the patient’s home once they have left the hospital. In addition, if the patient needs extended care beyond the hospital, BCH’s Home Care Services is available. Home care provides an easy transition for the patient to return home after skilled care.
Daily activities are an important part of everyone's life. Skilled patients have the opportunity to participate in a wide array of activities and programs through the BCH Activity Department. Because each individual’s needs are unique, the staff will work the patients on activities that meet their needs.
Boone County Hospital recognizes that patient and family members are essential to the care plan. Family plays a special role in their loved ones recovery. Weekly conferences are scheduled that involve the patient and the family so the staff can share with them the patients progress and goals, and allow the patient and family to give input on the treatment plan. In addition, informal meetings among the staff are held daily to coordinate and review the patients progress.
Should you or someone you love need skilled care services in the future, remember that Boone County Hospital has everything you need to provide you the best possible care, close to home and close to family. A referral to BCH Skilled Care will get you one step closer to regaining your daily living skills.
For additional information on Skilled Care at Boone County Hospital, please call the BCH Utilization Review Coordinator, Linda Morris, at (515) 433-8465. |