Given that very few people want to stay in a facility that doesn’t include their own bed and other home luxuries, the number one question patients and family members ask skilled nursing staff member is “When can I (the patient) go home?”
Unfortunately, the patient sets themselves up for getting a less-than-pleasing answer. Although it never hurts to ask that question, patients and family members need to think like the staff and consider all of the factors that are keeping the patient from safely returning home.
This includes:
1.) any post-illness or post-injury deficits that impede the patient’s ability to safely complete daily living tasks and mobility, and
2.) presence or lack of a support system at home.
So rather than get hung up on one question, here are a few questions that patients, family members, and caregivers can consider asking to feel more comfortable about the facility stay.
Although the list is not all-inclusive, these questions are frequently asked:
Are the doctors and nurses on the same page as staff members at the hospital?
Nursing staff will be the most familiar with what medical orders have been received and updated. Medical information is transferred from the hospital to the nursing staff at the skilled nursing facility.
The primary physician over the facility reviews the patient’s hospital information and updates orders according to what the patient needs in regards to medication, medical equipment, diet precautions, and safety precautions.
Can I, as family, receive private medical information about the patient?
If you are just a nice friend checking in on the patient, don’t be offended if the staff withholds medical information from you. Family members who are listed in the patient’s medical chart as being privy to medical information can only be updated on the patient’s progress.
How often do team meetings occur and can family attend?
Depending on the facility, team meetings should be happening every few weeks. Family members and patients are also welcome to call and schedule extra meetings if they think it is necessary.
Can I bring items in from home for the patient?
Items can be brought in if said items are in accordance with the facilities safety policies. For examples, electric items with cords such as hair dryers and heating blankets may be taken away due to potential fire hazards.
How often does the doctor come in?
The overseeing physician in the facility should be in contact with the patient within 24 hours after the patient’s arrival to the facility. Consult with nursing at the specific facility regarding the doctor’s follow-up schedule.
Who else is seeing the patient besides me and the doctor?
The patient will be visited by a variety of disciplines including speech pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing staff, social work, nutrition, recreational therapy, respiratory therapy, administration, and psychiatry (if it’s an available service in the facility).
Is there a place for the patient to lock up valuables?
Lock boxes are regularly available in the facility. Patients should be warned that items left in sight such as wallets, computers, phones, and IPADs could or will be stolen (especially if the patient’s room is near an exit door).
Consult with staff regarding available lock boxes if you are concerned about your valuables being swiped.
I want to take the patient home or to lunch every once in a while. Am I allowed to do so?
Please know that you can’t take the patient out of the facility without notifying staff. If nursing staff or therapy deems it unsafe for the patient to leave, then the answer is no.
If the patient is well enough to go on an outing, consider all dietary precautions and the patient’s scheduled attendance at the facility for therapy and medication.
What if the patient is not happy about their stay and wants to leave?
Families and patients sometimes are under the impression that they are being forced to stay at the facility. A patient is welcome to leave, but may have to deal with some insurance or medical consequences if they vacate against medical advice.
Patients are welcome to transfer to other facilities without said consequences, but note that the transition might take a while in order to process medical and insurance information.
Can I bring in pets for the patient?
Some facilities are just fine with pets being brought in the visit patients (because let’s be honest, plenty of staff are pet-lovers and want to see animals too). Call ahead of time to make sure that bringing in animals is still in accordance with facility policies.
