There is no difference between the nursing care, medications or other services provided to skilled nursing patients and that received by AVH inpatients. The separate designation, required to comply with Medicare regulations, indicates that an inpatient’s condition has improved and that acute hospital services are no longer required.

Although skilled nursing patients will receive multi-disciplinary care from Hospitalists, Nutritionists, Occupational and Physical Therapists and Social Workers, they are not being seen by a physician on a daily basis. Nurses will evaluate every patient in skilled nursing care to ensure that the physician on duty is notified as appropriate.

The nursing staff and unit coordinators who make up the Medical-Surgical team at AVH are specialists known for their extensive skills and knowledge — and for their humanistic approach, expressed through kind words, gentle touch and a tender smile.

AVH provides an environment conducive to healing through the prompt detection of emergency conditions and the prevention of complications associated with diseases and disorders.

The Medical-Surgical Unit is equipped with state-of-the-art non-invasive blood pressure machines, patient beds, oximeters, alarms, lifting devices and other patient care equipment. The staff also utilizes a computer documentation system when accessing or updating electronic patient records, including at the bedside.

Nursing care is individualized for each patient. The RN collaborates with the patient, the physician, the Medical-Surgical team, and ancillary healthcare providers, such as cardiopulmonary and rehabilitation staff to develop a plan of care to fit each specific patient – and help ensure a positive outcome.

Patient education is provided to patients and their families throughout the hospital stay. Areas covered include the patient’s surgery, medications, pain control measures, treatments, and procedures. This education also includes information about the patient’s particular disease or disorder.

The AVH Medical-Surgical team is known for its professionalism, competence, compassion, and commitment to our patients.

WHAT SERVICES ARE OFFERED?

Nursing care

Our nurses are well-trained and experienced professionals. They take good care of their patients because they care about their patients.

Intravenous (IV) Fluids/Medications

When IV antibiotics or other medications need to be continued even after a patient is well enough to leave the hospital, one option is to stay in one of our swing beds until the treatment course is completed.

Physical Therapy

Getting back on your feet after surgery, injury, or illness such as stroke often requires more time and treatment than an acute care hospital stay allows. Our Physical Therapy team works with patients on a daily basis to restore mobility: to gain strength and flexibility, to control pain, and to get you home as soon as possible.

Occupational Therapy

Routine activities of daily living such as feeding and personal care are often disrupted by injury or illness. Out OTs are experts at helping patients return to safe, independent living. They’ll know if you will need special equipment or safety measures at home and help to have them in place when you are discharged.

Speech Therapy

Our therapists work with patients with language difficulties that may result from stroke or other neurologic illness. They also help patients who have difficulty swallowing safely (not uncommon after a significant illness or injury, especially in older individuals).

Respiratory Therapy

Always available to monitor and treat patients with breathing problems who may need oxygen, inhaled medication, or exercises as they recover.

Food Services

Patients order from a “Room Service” menu that offers variety and quality far above what you’d expect of “hospital food”. Meals and snacks are served when you want them–your schedule, not ours. Certified Nutritionists are available to help with feeding problems or special dietary requirements.

Discharge Planning

As our patients recover, our Social Worker and Care Management Nurses will help them and their family plan for care after they leave AVH. Home Health Services are often needed for a while—some of the same services needed here can be provided at home until they’re able to be out and about.

Our staff members are patient advocates—part of their job is to look out for our patients to see that their needs are met and, to answer their questions and address any concerns or problems that may exist.  They know the complicated world of Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance rules and regulations. They are available to meet with patients (and family members) to review progress, answer questions, and identify any further care needs.

Spiritual Support

Emotional and spiritual support is very important in the healing process. Our Chaplain is here to help patients and families deal with the stress that comes with illness or injury. With your permission, our Chaplain will be glad to notify your own pastor that you are in the hospital.

Physician Coverage

Skilled nursing patients are seen by a doctor at the time of admission and just before discharge. During your stay, you will be seen at least twice a week and anytime there is a problem. There is always a physician in-house or on call to respond to urgent needs and emergencies.

How much will it cost?

Most private insurances will pay for skilled nursing care on a pre-approved basis, Medicare pays for up to 100 swingdays, Medicaid covers medically necessary swing services (pre-approval required), so, most patients will not have to pay out of pocket for swing services. For self-pay (uninsured) patients, the daily rate is $937.

How long can patients stay?

As long as he/she needs care or treatment at the swing level of care. As a short-term swing bed facility, we generally limit our swing stays to 2 to 4 weeks; long-term facilities are more appropriate when months of care are required. The goal, of course, is to get patients home as soon as their condition permits (with ongoing care at home—if necessary—from a home health agency).

If I ever need SNF care, how can I choose AVH?

Most of our swing bed patients have been here for their acute care–perhaps for joint replacement surgery, pneumonia, or a stroke. If they need further care as they recover, we offer SNF care—usually right in the same room, with the same nurses and care team who already know them and their care needs. We also accept patients for skilled care from other hospitals. For example, a patient recovering from open-heart surgery at another hospital, who is not yet strong enough to go home, may request transfer to AVH swing for further treatment and rehabilitation closer to home.

Any Questions?

Call us at (603) 752-2200 and ask to speak to one of our Care Management nurses or our Social Workers.