Enhancing Care for High-Acuity Patients in Skilled Nursing Facilities
Nick Cianci
President, Compass Total Benefit Solutions - I help companies and employees get the most out of their employee benefit dollars
The demographic landscape of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) is undergoing a significant transformation. As the baby boomer generation continues to age, SNFs are witnessing a marked increase in the number of high-acuity patients requiring more complex and specialized care. This shift not only challenges the current care paradigms but also presents unique opportunities for facilities to enhance service delivery and improve patient outcomes.
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Understanding the Rise in Patient Acuity
Recent studies have highlighted a trend towards higher patient acuity levels in SNFs, a shift driven largely by an aging population that is living longer but with more complex health issues. As reported in the 2024 Skilled Nursing Facility Industry Outlook, an increasing percentage of SNF residents now have multiple chronic conditions and complex healthcare needs that require specialized care and continuous monitoring (ACPlus ).
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Challenges Presented by Higher Acuity Levels
The increasing acuity levels present several challenges for SNFs:
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Staffing: Higher acuity patients often require more intensive care and monitoring, which can strain existing staffing resources. Facilities must not only increase their staffing ratios but also ensure that their staff is adequately trained to handle more complex cases.
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Resource Allocation: The need for specialized medical equipment and supplies increases with patient acuity. SNFs must allocate their budgets to accommodate the higher costs associated with these resources.
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Regulatory Compliance: With higher acuity levels, compliance with healthcare regulations becomes more complex. Facilities must navigate these complexities to avoid penalties and ensure high-quality care.
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Risk Management: Higher acuity levels can lead to an increased risk of adverse events, such as falls or medication errors, which can result in hospitalizations and affect the facility’s reputation and operational viability.
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Strategic Responses to Increasing Acuity
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To effectively manage the rise in patient acuity, SNFs are adopting several strategic approaches:
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Enhanced Staff Training and Development: Ongoing education and training programs are crucial. Facilities are investing in advanced training for their staff to manage complex care scenarios effectively. This not only improves care but also aids in staff retention by providing career development opportunities.
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Technology Integration: Leveraging technology such as electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, and remote patient monitoring systems can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of care for high-acuity patients. These technologies help streamline operations and allow for real-time monitoring and rapid response to patient needs.
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Specialized Care Units: Some facilities are creating specialized units focused on particular types of care, such as cardiac care or stroke recovery. These units are staffed by specialists trained to handle specific conditions, providing tailored care that can lead to better patient outcomes.
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Collaborative Care Models: Collaborating with hospitals and other healthcare providers helps ensure a continuum of care for high-acuity patients. These partnerships can facilitate smoother transitions for patients who require hospital care and ensure that they receive consistent and specialized treatment.
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Opportunities for SNFs
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Addressing the challenges of higher acuity patients also presents opportunities:
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The shift towards higher patient acuity in SNFs represents a significant challenge but also an opportunity for innovation and improvement. By adopting strategic responses to these changes, facilities can not only enhance the quality of care provided but also position themselves as leaders in the healthcare sector.
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About Compass Total Benefit Solutions
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At Compass TBS, we recognize the unique challenges faced by SNFs, particularly in managing high-acuity patients. Our employee benefits solutions are designed to support SNFs in attracting and retaining the skilled staff necessary to address these challenges effectively. For more information on how we can help your facility adapt to changing patient needs, visit our website at Compass TBS .
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