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SNF & LTACH

It is difficult to chose SNF, especially if you don’t have time. As soon as possible, arrange your post-discharge plans with your provider. 

Talk with your health insurance provider to check financial coverage. Make sure that you consider multiple SNF, and to choose the best possible plan for your loved one with SCI.

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Visiting

Visit at least three SNF to make sure you pick the one where a person will feel comfortable and do best. Consider the following questions when choosing a SNF: 

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Make sure to look over multiple resources for information. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services offers its Five Star Quality Rating System through its Nursing Home Compare website. CMS’ system considers these qualities: Health Inspections- Measures based on outcomes from state health inspections; Staffing-Measures based on nursing home staffing levels and staff turnover; and Quality Measures-Measures based on MDS and claims-based quality measures. Of course, consideration of therapy and resources needed for SCI rehabilitation are important. Contact Ohio’s Long-term Care Ombudsman to ask for advice and information.

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Whether the staff is a good match to needs. Ask to speak with staff, including occupational and physical therapists.

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Location. Near your home and/or work?

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Maintenance. Is the building in good shape?

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Meals. Ask to try the food.

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Residents. Do they appear well taken care of? 

Are the Staff a Good Match for Your Needs?

To assess whether the staff is a good match, questions to ask are:

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  • Do they take care of many people who have SCI? A good facility should be able to provide you with data that shows they give good quality care for SCI.

  • Do they have a pathway, or protocol, for taking care of people with SCI?

  • Do staff work for the facility or are they contracted from another facility?

  • Do they have physical therapists who work at the facility?

  • Do they have occupational therapists who work at the facility?

  • Will you see the same one or two therapists most days?

  • Do they provide therapy every day, including Saturday and Sunday?

  • How long do the therapy sessions last?

  • If your provider does not visit the facility, will there be a provider in charge of your care?

  • Will staff take the time to train your family or caregivers about care you will need at home?

  • Will your health insurance cover all of your expenses? If not, what will and will not be covered?

Visiting a SNF and talking with leadership and staff, especially therapists, is important to selecting a SNF.  Use this resource to compare facilities. 

What to Expect in a SNF of LTACH

(Prepare but not scare people about lack of specialty knowledge in SNF] 

Self-advocating tips)

  • Primary care resources from ASIA

  • PVA clinical practice guidelines - PWS and SPs can provide to SNF staff

  • Other?

    • ​Yes - many independent living organizations like LEAP have resources to help people with SCI transition from SNF to the community

    • LEAP Nursing Home Transition

Advocating for oneself in a SNF or LTACH:

Advocacy steps to take - reach out to ombudsperson, complaints to the Department of Health, other

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