When your loved one suffers from a progressive illness or undergoes surgery, his or her doctor may decide that Long-Term Nursing Care is needed.

What does Long-Term Nursing Care mean? That depends on the types of services your loved one needs.

• Intermediate care means routine medical and nursing services, plus assistance with daily living activities. It is supervised by medical personnel such as a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or physical therapist. It does not require a doctor’s prescription, so you can access such care without the help of your loved one’s physician.
• Skilled care requires a doctor's prescription. It provides 24 hour medical and nursing capabilities for conditions that are life-threatening or subject to sudden changes. It is always supervised by a registered or licensed nurse on site. It also provides assistance with daily living activities such as bathing and dressing. Stimulating activities—including educational, social, and spiritual—are also provided, usually by trained recreational therapists.

Long-Term Nursing Care is expensive. Among your payment options are: personal funds, long-term care insurance, and Medicaid (a state program for people unable to pay for care).

Ranking Long-Term Nursing Care capabilities

To assist you in evaluating Long-Term Nursing Care capabilities, we have created a simple "check-off" list for you to print and fill out. Your responses will help you in discussions and decision-making with your loved one, family, friends, and care providers. We recommend that, if you call or visit us at Renaissance Gardens, you refer to the list when you speak with a Renaissance Gardens health care counselor.

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