Levels of Care

In order to choose appropriate care for your loved one, it is important to understand the available options. You may view below basic definitions and descriptions of the levels of care commonly available in our community.

Acute Care Facilities

An Acute Care Facility is what we usually think of as a “hospital”. All services provided may not directly relate to an acute, or medically unstable, condition. The key, however, is that this facility is equipped and staffed to immediately respond to an acute situation.
Providing for the worst possible development is extremely expensive. Whether a patient uses services or not, equipment and staff must be in place and available just in case. As a result, hospital admissions and average length of stay are decreasing with corresponding increasing demands for appropriate lower levels of care.

Nursing Homes

A nursing home provides 24-hour care with licensed professional nurses in a residential setting. In addition to caring for medical nursing needs, residents receive assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), which might include bathing, dressing, eating, etc. Professional staff also includes geriatric social workers activities directors, and registered dieticians, as well as physical, occupational and speech therapists.
Nursing homes are closely regulated by federal, state and local health agencies. Annual unannounced inspections usually last several days and are performed by a team of qualified inspectors from the Virginia Department of Health. During these surveys, everything from medication administration and staffing to the temperature of the tap water is evaluated.

Nursing home care is based on a medical model and is divided into two broad categories. Some facilities provide both levels; others provide only one.
Skilled Nursing Care: In a skilled nursing facility, residents receive the daily services of a registered nurse and/or a licensed physical therapist. These services must be prescribed and monitored by a physician and must qualify under Medicare regulations as skilled. In addition, residents receive care and assistance from licensed nurses under the supervision of a registered nurse. Medicare and some private insurance plans cover only nursing home care that is skilled and follows a hospital stay of at least three days.

Intermediate Nursing Care: Under intermediate care, round-the-clock care and assistance are provided by licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants. Individual care plans are developed for each resident and may include medication and nutrition management, as well as therapies, specialized diets, and therapeutic activities. When needed, assistance with ADLs (bathing, dressing, eating, ambulation, etc.) is also provided. The medical conditions of these residents do not require skilled nursing care and Medicare does not cover Intermediate Care.

Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted living communities are designed for individuals who are unable to function in an independent living environment but do not need nursing care on a daily basis. Based on a social or hospitality model, the aim in these communities is to enhance the capabilities of frail older persons so that they can live as independently as possible in a congregate home-like setting.

These communities vary greatly in size, staffing patterns, staff training and the scope of services offered. With no federal regulations or guidelines and only minimal state regulation under the Department of Social Services, it is imperative that prospective residents and their families evaluate their needs and carefully choose a community designed to meet those needs. Because the physical and mental status of frail adults may change quickly, families must be vigilant to regularly monitor the resident’s needs and service providers.

Assisted Living residents may often contract for health care services from an outside provider. These services might include a visiting nurse, therapist or Hospice provider. Even with the addition of outside services, however, the round-the-clock staff must have appropriate training to meet the resident’s needs. When outside providers are contracted or special services are arranged through the facility, it is very important to monitor additional costs carefully. These costs can escalate rapidly as services are added.

Home Health Services

Health care services available in the home setting range from skilled nursing and therapies to light housekeeping and companionship. Care in the comfort and security of home often gives an older person and his or her family a sense of control and peace of mind. Remaining at home also helps many older persons maintain social ties and involvement with the community, friends and family.

These services are especially appropriate for short-term requirements. The cost of skilled home health care over a long period may be prohibitive, however, and because the health status of elderly persons can change rapidly, arrangements must be constantly reassessed to insure continued safety and appropriate care.

Want More Information?

We are always happy to provide specific information to help families make informed care choices. Please feel free to call or email us at your convenience:

Phone: (703) 360-4000
Admissions Email: admissions@mvnrc.net