Nursing & Rehabilitation

Sometimes a person needs additional time to recuperate after a hospital stay. This is frequently the case with older adults, because they tend to recover at a slower rate. Waterford’s nursing and rehabilitation program is designed to meet the needs of these individuals, providing 24–hour nursing care, usually for a limited number of days or weeks.

Within Waterford’s nursing and rehabilitation program, licensed nurses and/or therapists work daily with a patient. Their goal usually is to help return the person to his/her highest level of function. Common services include:

• Specialized nursing care 24 hours a day
• Rehabilitative services by licensed therapists
• Monitoring of cardiac (heart) and pulmonary (lung) conditions
• Specialized feedings, such as tube feedings
• Pain management
• Wound management

Generally, patients come to a nursing center directly after a hospital stay. If the attending physician determines that a patient is ready for release but needs further care before returning home, the physician will inform the social worker at the hospital. The social worker will then present the patient and his or her family with a list of appropriate licensed centers in the area. In other cases, a family member who is concerned about a loved one’s health seeks out such care. A prescreening then takes place to determine whether a nursing center is the appropriate level of care.

Each patient is provided with a customized nursing care/treatment plan designed to meet the individual’s needs. Rehabilitative therapy staff provide physical therapy, occupational therapy, and/or speech-language therapy, as needed. Nursing staff monitor and administer prescription drugs, assess and treat wounds, and carefully observe heart and lung conditions. The treatment program continues until the individual’s goals are met.

Each patient’s progress is monitored by an interdisciplinary team, consisting of a physician and professional staff from nursing, therapy, and social service. The team determines when to discontinue nursing and rehabilitative services, based upon the individual’s progress. Family members are kept informed of progress and consulted regarding plans for a return home or alternative living arrangements.