Qualities to Look for in a Skilled Nursing Facility

Most aging adults hope to live in their own homes for as long as possible. However, seniors become vulnerable to a number of health concerns as they get older, and some require the compassionate care of a skilled nursing facility in their golden years. Often, the need for senior rehabilitation comes unexpectedly after an aging family member falls or is diagnosed with a chronic medical condition and is released from the hospital. 

When emotions are high and time is short, choosing the right skilled nursing facility can be difficult. However, there are some specific qualities you can look for that will help you make a swift and informed decision. 

Comfortable environment

The transition from home to a skilled nursing facility can be challenging. However, a facility that makes every effort to provide a warm, home-like environment can make this emotional move a bit easier. Pay attention to the quality of furnishings and common areas. Note whether residents are allowed to bring personal belongings and pictures of their family to decorate their rooms. 

Healthy and tasty food

The food in a senior rehab center should balance nutrition and flavor to provide residents with appealing options. If possible, tour a facility during mealtime to look at the menu and see the food that’s served at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Does it look appetizing and nutritious? Do the residents seem to be enjoying the food? Does the facility offer special meals for residents with dietary restrictions?

Lifestyle and amenities

An excellent senior rehab center should go above and beyond rehabilitation and skilled nursing care to provide a variety of amenities that make a resident’s stay enjoyable. Yoga classes, birthday celebrations, live music, group outings, and salon and barber services help make residents feel good. A positive mindset can help a senior recover from an injury or illness more quickly.  

Therapy options

If you or your loved one is in senior rehabilitation for an injury or illness, the types of therapy available will be one of the most important factors in your decision. If you have COPD, for example, you’ll want to select a skilled nursing facility that offers pulmonary rehabilitation. A good senior rehab center will develop a customized plan of care for each resident depending on his or her needs and functional goals. 

Compassionate staff

A senior rehab center itself is just part of the equation. The quality of care provided by the staff should play a large role in your decision. During your tour, take note of whether the residents are treated with respect. Is the skilled nursing staff friendly, kind, and supportive while interacting with residents? Do they respect patients’ privacy by knocking on doors before entering? These are small, yet significant signs to look for when making your choice. 

Are you searching for a senior rehab center in San Diego?

Whether you’re looking for a place to recover from an illness or injury or a new permanent residence, you should have a good feeling about the place you decide to call “home.” If possible, tour the skilled nursing facilities on your list unannounced to get a true feel for what each has to offer. At Bella Vista Health Center, we’re confident you’ll feel comfortable and at ease in our recently remodeled facility, complete with chef-prepared meals, a variety of opportunities for socializing, and all the conveniences you need under one roof. 

Call Bella Vista Health Center today to learn more about senior rehabilitation at our skilled nursing facility at (619) 644-1000. 
 

5 Tips for a Faster Recovery After Injury

If you recently suffered an injury, such as a broken hip, your first question was likely, “How quickly will I recover?” It can be frustrating to get used to the limited mobility that follows an injury, and it’s natural to want to get back to your normal life as soon as possible. In an effort to speed up the recovery process, many people actually cause more damage by doing too much too soon. Luckily, there are some ways you can increase the effectiveness of your recovery without compromising your health. 

Listen to your doctor’s orders

This may sound obvious, but it’s really important to abide by your doctor’s orders following an injury. This may include periods of elevation and ice to reduce swelling, physical therapy, medication, and limitations on the amount of weight you can place on the injured body part. Following your doctor’s orders is one of the best ways to recover quickly after an injury.

Be consistent

Just as important as listening to your doctor’s orders is keeping a consistent treatment schedule. At Bella Vista Health Center, our physical therapists recommend a set number of weekly visits based on a patient’s condition. Attending each and every physical therapy session, as well as performing any prescribed exercises between visits, will produce the best results.

Eat a healthy diet

Recovering from an injury places stress on your body. It’s important to fuel it with proper nutrition so you get all of the vitamins and nutrients you need to repair damaged tissue and regain strength. Bella Vista Health Center has a registered dietitian on staff that works with our chef to create meals that both taste delicious and contain plenty of fruits and vegetables to speed up recovery following an injury.  

Be aware of warning signs

As you recover from your injury, be on the lookout for signs of complications that could derail your progress. Redness, increased swelling, joint stiffness, and pain that’s getting worse instead of getting better are all signs you should contact your doctor right away. If possible, keep a journal where you document your symptoms and pain level each day and bring it to your physical therapy appointments. 

Take care of your mental health

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health following an injury. Many patients become frustrated that they aren’t recovering as quickly as they’d like to, and they become increasingly stressed. Meditation and breathing exercises can help you relax even if you have physical limitations, as can activities that are mentally challenging. Crossword puzzles, coloring, and watching your favorite comedies are all great ways to minimize stress for a faster recovery.

Recover in comfort at our health center in San Diego

Choosing the right environment to receive injury treatment will make you feel more comfortable with your physical therapy experience, which in turn will increase its effectiveness. At Bella Vista Health Center, we take a patient-centered approach to physical therapy to help you achieve your mobility goals as quickly as possible. Our therapists will work with you one-on-one to relieve pain and discomfort, restore function, and build strength so you can put your injury behind you and return to your favorite activities. 

Call us today to learn more about our San Diego physical therapy program and other services at (619) 644-1000.
 

Choosing the Right Short-Term Care Facility

When you or someone you love is recovering from surgery, illness, or another medical issue that required hospitalization, sometimes the next step in the healing and rehabilitative process takes place in a professional, caring environment. Short-term care facilities provide physical, occupational, and speech therapy services, along with nursing services and staff available to meet patients’ needs 24 hours a day. There are several health centers in San Diego for short-term care, and choosing the right one is a decision that should take many things into consideration beyond medical needs. Here are a few questions to keep in mind while you search:

Length of stay

Minor health issues, such as an uncomplicated surgery, may only require short-term rehab for a few days or a few weeks. In other cases, a patient with advanced medical issues such as cardiac problems may need rehabilitation services that last several months. Some facilities specialize in either short- or long-term care, while others—like Bella Vista Health Center—offer both. This can often be the best option for patients who aim for rapid rehabilitation but understand that recovery could take longer than anticipated. 

Room preference: private or shared? 

Some patients prefer the privacy of a single room while others value the companionship offered in a shared room. Not all short-term care facilities offer both options, so if you or your loved one feel strongly either way, it’s a good way to narrow down your choices. 

Amenities offered

The most important thing you can do before choosing a skilled nursing facility is to take a tour to evaluate the levels of comfort, privacy, and professionalism. Aside from the patient rooms, take a look at community areas and ask about social events and activities designed to keep residents engaged and entertained during their stay. Also check out the dining area and menus to ensure meal options are varied, healthy, and amenable to accommodation for special dietary needs, if necessary.

Questions to ask the staff

When you tour a prospective short-term care facility, don’t hesitate to ask the staff challenging questions to ensure all your concerns are addressed. Here are some subjects to ask about:

• Availability of specialized staff for specific medical needs
• Details of the facility’s personalized care plans
• Staff-to-patient ratios
• Expected transition from hospital to rehab
• Outpatient therapy options
• Frequency of care planning meetings

You’ll want to pay close attention not just to the answers but also to the general attitude of the staff members you speak to.  If they don’t know the answer to your question, do they brush it off as unimportant, or do they make it a point to find someone who can answer? Do they seem interested in making you feel comfortable or at rushing you through so they can get on to other things? Trust your instincts and take notes about how you feel in each facility as well as the answers provided. 

Questions to ask other residents

In addition to talking with the staff at a prospective short-term care facility, it’s a good idea to talk to current residents or past clients to learn about their experiences. Do they find the staff friendly or impersonal? Do they feel they’re making the most progress possible based on therapy programs offered? Another way to evaluate resident experiences is to ask the staff for recent satisfaction survey results and statistics on benchmarked outcomes.

Looking for the best short-term rehab in San Diego?

At Bella Vista Health Center, our rehabilitation services are based on a high level of compassionate care and innovative programming that empowers our patients to reach their recovery goals and regain their quality of life. If you or someone you love needs short-term care following surgery or illness, we encourage you to tour our recently remodeled 5-star skilled nursing facility. Give us a call at (619) 644-1000 or fill out our contact form today.

Common Misconceptions About Skilled Nursing Facilities

When was the last time you visited a skilled nursing facility? If it’s been a while, expect to see some changes the next time you enter one.  It used to be that nursing homes were places where the elderly went to spend their final years. But skilled nursing facilities today serve short- and long-term patients of all ages. Additionally, today’s definition of high-quality care encompasses so much more than just medical services. Residents, families, and administrators have a deeper understanding of the important role quality of life plays at every age—and it shows. 

Our guess is that if you haven’t been in a skilled nursing facility for some time, you may be pleasantly surprised by what you find. Take a look below at some common misconceptions about skilled nursing facilities—and the reality of what you can expect the next time you enter one. 

 
Misconception #1: A skilled nursing facility is nothing more than a hospital

The reality: While it’s true that skilled nursing facilities do offer in-depth medical care, they are very different from hospitals. In a hospital, patients keep mainly to their rooms until they are discharged. A skill nursing facility, on the other hand, offers opportunities for stimulation and socialization. At Bella Vista Health Center in San Diego, we provide our residents with recreational activities and a number of other amenities and services that help to create a sense of home and community. 

Misconception #2: Residents in skilled nursing facilities have no independence

The reality: Any quality skilled nursing facility will strive to help each patient achieve or maintain maximum independence. Even those residents with limited mobility or higher levels of cognitive difficulty are encouraged to make choices about their schedules, activities, health care, treatment decisions, and more. At Bella Vista, this is true for both our short-term and long-term residents. 

Misconception #3: Skilled nursing is only for the elderly

The reality: Although some skilled nursing facilities are centered only on long-term care for the elderly, that’s not true for all facilities. At Bella Vista, we provide long-term and short-term skilled nursing care for patients of all ages. Rehabilitative short-term care services at our San Diego nursing facility include pulmonary rehabilitation, wound care, and post-acute rehabilitation for brain injuries, amputations, orthopedic conditions, and more.

Misconception #4: A skilled nursing facility is the same as an assisted living facility

The reality: Assisted living facilities and skilled nursing facilities do both provide assistance with dressing, grooming, medication, meal preparation, and other aspects of daily living, but one significant difference between the two is the higher level of medical care available in a skilled nursing facility. The staff at assisted living facilities can only provide medication management and administration.  The staff at a skilled nursing facility, on the other hand, is able to provide medication as well as skilled nursing care and some medical treatment. 

Misconception #5: Skilled nursing facilities are sad places and residents are lonely

The reality: No one wants to think of their loved one living a lonely life in a sad place. Just the thought is heartbreaking.  But a visit to any reputable skilled nursing facility should help get that thought out of your head. At Bella Vista Health Center in particular, we’re considered among the best San Diego nursing facilities in part because of our holistic approach to wellness that addresses the mind, body, and spirit of each patient. We offer group outings, live music, yoga, and a number of other services and amenities that provide all of our residents with the highest possible quality of life. 

Looking for a skilled nursing facility in San Diego? 

You’ve come to the right place. At Bella Vista Health Center, we understand the importance of combining high quality care with high quality of life. Feel free to give us a call at (619) 644-1000 and schedule a visit to our recently remodeled 5-star facility in Lemon Grove today.  We know you’ll like what you see. 

Fun Activities to Do With Your Loved Ones in a Skilled Nursing Facility

If you have a loved one staying in a skilled nursing facility, especially a senior citizen receiving long-term care, then you probably know their wellbeing depends on family involvement. Family visits provide a variety of psychological benefits like positivity, encouragement, and hope, all of which have been proven to enhance overall health. But aside from joining a game of group bingo or catching up with the latest family news, you might not know how to spend your time during a visit. The best way to avoid boredom or awkwardness is to arrive with a plan (and supplies, if needed) for fun activities that will ensure visits are meaningful for your loved one—and you. Here are some suggestions:
 

Crafts
 

Making crafts and items by hand is a productive and creative way to spend time while socializing with your loved one. Try painting, knitting, leatherwork, stringing beaded necklaces, or making greeting cards. Working with various colors and textures is a great brain exercise, and the end products of your crafting sessions can be given away as gifts to other family members or nursing home residents. Another idea is to make seasonal or holiday-oriented decorations to brighten up your loved one’s room or common areas if the nursing facility allows it.
 

Games
 

Maintaining cognitive agility is important for aging loved ones, and board games and card games are a pleasurable way for seniors to socialize while keeping their minds sharp. Popular choices include Scrabble, Boggle, Monopoly, Sorry, Uno, and Gin or Gin Rummy. And if you want to add a physical element to your game time, consider investing in a Nintendo Wii, which is an easy, interactive gaming system that has become quite popular at nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities.
 

Mini Spa
 

Just because someone is retired doesn’t mean there’s no need to relax. Everyone can benefit from a rejuvenating trip to the spa, so why not bring a mini spa to your loved one? Try hand massages with scented lotions and manicures with fun nail polish colors or designs.  Aromatherapy candles or oil diffusers with calming scents such as lavender, chamomile, or vanilla will help create a relaxing atmosphere. 
 

Storytime
 

Even if you’re already close to your loved one, they probably have plenty of stories from their long life that you’ve never heard. Now is a great time to not only listen, but also to record their stories for other family members and future generations to cherish. Bring a simple digital recorder or use an app on your phone to collect precious memories and hilarious stories. Later, you might consider transcribing the recordings and printing them in a book through one of the several publishing-on-demand services available online.
 

Outings
 

Different nursing facilities have different policies regarding outings, but if your loved one is allowed and physically able to venture out, fresh air and new scenery can do wonders for their wellbeing. Suggestions include a walk in the park, lunch at a café, a visit to a museum, a drive through the countryside, or even a trip to the mall for some new clothes or accessories. Music concerts, plays, and movies are also great ideas, but regardless of where you go, the most important thing is the time you spend together and the new memories you create.
 

Fun activities every day of the week
 

At Bella Vista Health Center, we understand the importance of providing our long-term residents with a variety of stimulating and fun activities to keep their minds sharp and spirits up. At our skilled nursing facility in San Diego, we offer live music, group outings, birthday celebrations, yoga and meditation, and a variety of daily activities for the most comprehensive care possible. If you or a loved one is looking for the best skilled nursing facility in the area, give us a call (619) 644-1000 for a tour of our 5-Star rated facility.

Difference Between Short-Term Care and Long-Term Care

Despite portrayals in popular entertainment, skilled nursing facilities are not exclusively designed for senior citizens needing long-term care. Skilled nursing services cater to diverse medical needs and a variety of patients: active senior citizens recovering from knee replacement, older seniors with chronic medical conditions, or anyone (of any age) in need of physical therapy or wound care after a car accident, for example. 
For more information on the differences between short-term care and long-term care, as well as the skilled nursing services you can expect at Bella Vista Health Center, take a look below:

 

Difference Between Short Term Care & Long Term Care

Short-term care is temporary

As its name suggests, short-term care is temporary medical aftercare following a surgery, injury, illness, or other medical condition that is expected to improve. Services typically last several weeks or a few months, or sometimes longer depending on the severity of the condition being treated.

Short-term care is goal-oriented
 

For patients in need of rehabilitation services, short-term care aims to return them home as soon as medically possible. Physical therapy is designed to relieve pain, restore function and enhance health, while providing individualized treatment programs that can be continued at home. Occupational therapy strives to equip patients with the necessary skills—and often, customized tools—for proper self-care, such as dressing, personal hygiene, and cooking.

Short-term care provides medical and custodial services

In addition to wound care, the dispensing of medication, and rehab services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy (in the case of stroke), skilled nursing facilities also offer custodial care. Skilled nursing professionals help patients with dressing, bathing, using the restroom, eating, and mobility until the patient recovers their independence.

Long-term care provides skilled nursing services indefinitely

Long-term care is ideal for seniors or others with chronic or progressive medical conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, permanent disabilities, dementia, or a debilitating stroke, especially when the level of care exceeds what loved ones can provide on their own. Skilled nursing facilities are staffed 24/7 by medical professionals trained to deal with any health issues that might arise, giving loved ones and patients peace of mind.

Long-term care offers comprehensive treatment

Long-term care involves medical, therapeutic, and personal care services for those with physical or mental conditions that limit their ability to function independently. In addition to addressing medical needs, skilled nursing facility staff can assist with custodial care such as personal hygiene, eating, and getting in and out of beds and chairs. While rehabilitation services such as physical and occupational therapy are the cornerstones of short-term care, they are also offered to patients receiving long-term care in order to relieve pain and discomfort, and improve mobility and functionality as much as possible.

Long-term care includes a variety of amenities

Because long-term patients may spend years in skilled nursing facilities, many places offer a variety of amenities to make the facility a “home away from home.” Such amenities include fun social activities, salon services, local transportation services, financial management, and supportive services to address the psychological and emotional needs of patients and their loved ones.
 

5-star care in a 5-star facility
 

If you or a loved one is in need of short-term care or long-term care at a skilled nursing facility in San Diego, Bella Vista Health Center can help. Our 5-star rated facility offers the highest standard of care and the most comprehensive amenities, including free concierge service for our residents and daily activities that focus on the mind, body, and soul. If you have more questions about our services, call us at (619) 644-1000  or fill out our contact form to set up a tour of our beautifully remodeled Lemon Grove facility.

Tips for a Healthy Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is a chance for all Americans to honor the founding of our nation, but for some citizens, celebrating all day and into the night can pose certain health risks. With a little preparation and flexibility, senior citizens, nursing home residents, and people recovering from recent illness or injury can have as much patriotic fun as everyone else. Here are some tips for celebrating a healthy Fourth of July:
 

Tip #1: Bring a healthy dish to share
 

Whether you attend a barbecue, picnic, or gathering at the beach, food is usually the centerpiece of Fourth of July celebrations. But unless you coordinate with the host beforehand and know the menu, it’s a good idea to bring a healthy dish or two to share that complies with your dietary or other medical restrictions. Fresh fruits and vegetables are always a good bet, and pasta salads are a healthy, filling alternative to fatty meats and high-calorie side dishes.
 

Tip #2: Avoid food that’s been sitting out
 

Perishable food like potato salad, dips, and cooked meats should not sit out for more than two hours, according to US FDA suggestions. And while everyone should avoid eating possibly contaminated food, food poisoning is especially dangerous for seniors and others who are not in tip-top health. So if you notice that food has been lingering on the picnic table all afternoon, resist that second plate of chips and dip—and give the host a head’s up while you’re at it.

 
Tip #3: Limit or avoid alcohol
 

Alcoholic drinks might be a staple of summer celebrations, but they can adversely affect many types of medication and exacerbate certain medical conditions. If you’re not sure whether the party you’re attending will have healthy non-alcoholic drinks—sugary drinks should also be avoided, if possible—bring some iced tea or diet soda to sip during the day.
 

Tip #4: Drink plenty of water
 

In addition to healthy beverages, be sure drink water throughout the day—better yet, keep a water bottle nearby at all times to remind you to hydrate. Dehydration can lead to serious medical issues, especially for senior citizens, who are more vulnerable to heat-related illness like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. 
 

Tip #5: Slather on the sunscreen
 

While most seniors were not exactly vigilant about sunscreen in their youth, skin becomes more delicate with age and needs more protection than ever from the sun’s dangerous UV rays. Apply sunscreen prior to your arrival at a Fourth of July event and bring extra to reapply during the day. You can also bring an umbrella or hat for extra shade, and wear special lightweight clothing that has built-in UV protection.
 

Tip #6: Bring your own seating
 

Most backyard barbecues and other Fourth of July celebrations have plenty of seating available, but senior citizens and those recovering from illness or injury should bring their own portable chair to ensure there is always a place to sit and rest as needed. There are many lightweight foldable chairs on the market, some with shoulder straps or carrying cases for easy transportation.
 

Tip #7: Bring ear plugs
 

Aside from an abundance of food, the one thing most Fourth of July celebrations have in common is a fireworks show at night. And while fireworks are undeniably beautiful and exciting, they can also cause serious damage to your ears, especially for senior citizens and others with already-compromised hearing. A set of high-quality earplugs will allow you to enjoy the show without worry.
 

Healthy lifestyles are our priority year-round
 

At Bella Vista Health Center, we understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle for all our skilled nursing facility residents, whether they are receiving short-term or long-term care. That’s why we offer comprehensive services and amenities at our 5-Star skilled nursing facility in San Diego including free concierge services, salon services, a yoga and meditation center, and activities that focus on the mind, body, and spirit. If you or a loved one is in need of the best skilled nursing facility in the area, give us a call at (619) 644-1000 for a tour or fill out our contact form for more information today.
 
 
 

Father’s Day Gift Ideas for Nursing Home Residents

Father’s Day gifts were easy when we were kids—a hand-drawn card, a clay ashtray, or a silly tie did the trick, earning a smile and a pat on the head every year. Shopping for Father’s Day gifts as an adult is a little more complicated, especially if your father is currently residing in a skilled nursing facility with limited space to store personal belongings. If you’re struggling to find a gift this Father’s Day that will be appreciated while fitting in with Dad’s new living situation, here are some suggestions that frequently top the wish lists of nursing home residents:
 

1. Games and puzzles

Keeping the mind sharp is a high priority for senior citizens, so one of the best gifts you can give is a variety of games and puzzles to keep your father mentally spry and entertained at the same time. Ideas include large-print crossword puzzles, Sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, dominoes, cribbage, Boggle, Scrabble, and playing cards for Gin, Go Fish, Solitaire, and other fun games.

 

2. Bird feeder

Even if your father has a lovely view outside his room window, looking at the same tree or hedge can get boring at times. Bird feeders will liven up the view with a parade of beautiful flying creatures dining on seeds, nuts, or sugar water, depending on which species you’re trying to attract. As a bonus, you can give Dad a birding book specific to the local area so he can identify and learn about his new feathered friends.

 

3. Magazine subscriptions
 

Despite the slow decline of print content, there still seems to be a magazine for virtually every interest. Whether your father loves news, sports, cars, science, art, or any one of the thousands of other hobbies and topics covered by niche magazines, a subscription is the gift that keeps on giving—he’ll eagerly anticipate each new volume throughout the year. 
 

4. Nostalgic playlists
 

A great nostalgic gift idea for your father is to make a few CDs with playlists full of music from his favorite era, and include a portable CD player if he doesn’t already have one. Listening to Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, or even the Beatles and Elvis if he’s a “younger” senior citizen will transport him back to his heyday, likely sparking memories he thought he forgot for good.
 

5. Photo book
 

Your father might not have much room for framed photos in his nursing facility room, so a great way to ensure he has plenty of family photos to peruse and share with fellow residents is to create a photo book from one of several online services. Aside from snaps of the grandkids, another photo book option is to use photos from Dad’s youth and old family photos from when you were a kid, which will preserve the originals while creating a gift your father will treasure forever.
 

6. Tablet with Internet connection
 

If the nursing facility in San Diego where your father lives has wi-fi access, you can get him a tablet device like an iPad if your budget permits. The touch screen and user-friendly apps can allow him to send email, join social media groups, video chat with the grandkids, and even read books (another great space-saving option). Of course, unless your father is already Internet savvy, it’s important to give him a brief tutorial on scams and how to avoid them, as senior citizens are frequent targets.
 

The best gift is the gift of your time
 

At Bella Vista Health Center, the gift idea that tops nearly all our resident wish lists is the gift of time with their loved ones. Frequent visits, an occasional lunch out, or even a daily phone call means more than any present they can hold in their hands. 
 
Of course, busy lifestyles prevent many loved ones from visiting as much as they’d like, which is why we strive to give our residents the best skilled nursing facility experience. We provide a variety of enriching activities and exclusive amenities to create a “home away from home” environment at our 5-Star skilled nursing facility. If you have questions about our services or you’re interested in a tour, call us at (619) 399-7920 or fill out our contact form today.
 
 
 

Top Physical Therapy Exercises After an Injury

After a severe injury or surgery, you might be tempted to take it easy for the long haul. But physical therapy is often the only way to regain full function of the injured area and restore strength and flexibility. Through various exercises and drills, physical therapy also helps prevent re-injury of the affected area, an aspect of rehabilitation many people overlook.

 Different injuries require different strategies for rehabilitation, and our physical therapists at Bella Vista Health Center tailor their efforts to each patient, targeting specific areas of weakness to relieve stress and help the body function without pain. Many of our rehabilitation programs incorporate one or more of the following top physical therapy exercises after an injury:

Top 7 Physical Therapy Exercises:

Top Physical Therapy Exercises

1. Resistance band exercises

Resistance bands allow patients to gradually increase the stress on their muscles as they regain more strength. And because resistance is maintained through every part of the exercise, the result is more complete stimulation and better range of motion.

Examples of effective resistance band exercises include:

• Knee extensions to increase strength in patients recovering from a knee injury

• One-hand internal rotations to strengthen injured rotator cuff muscles and reduce shoulder pain

 2. Therapy ball exercises

 Therapy balls are great for improving strength and balance for anyone, but therapy ball exercises are particularly effective for physical therapy patients because they reduce muscle and spinal strain during certain movements.

 Examples of effective therapy ball exercises include:

• Pelvic isolation for patients recovering from back injuries

• One-legged hamstring curls strengthen muscles around the knee and reduce strain on an injured ACL

 3. Balance and wobble board exercises

 A balance or wobble board is a basic piece of equipment involving a ball projecting from the base of a round board. Wobble boards enhance range of motion and strength, improving overall balance and flexibility.

Examples of effective wobble board exercises include:

• Controlled tilts for patients recovering from ankle injuries

• Balance training to help prevent shoulder joint dislocations, ankle sprains and re-injury of ACL

4. Foam roller exercises

 Long cylinders made of foam are frequently used to stretch a patient’s fascia, a layer of connective tissue beneath the skin that envelops the entire body. Stretching the fascia aids in flexibility and range of motion. Foam rollers can also be used in exercises specifically aimed at improving balance and strengthening a patient’s core.

 Examples of effective foam roller exercises include:

• Slowly rolling the foam over a target area to massage tight, injured muscles and break down scar tissue

• Rolling the foam either parallel or perpendicular to the spine to increase mobility and reduce stiffness for patients recovering from an injured back

5. Plyometrics

 Plyometrics are strengthening exercises that incorporate jumping, bounding, and hopping movements to increase muscle power, strength, balance, and agility. Plyometrics are especially crucial for sports-related injuries.

 Effective low-intensity plyometric exercises include:

• Lateral hops over short cones, lunges, and multiple-hoop jumps for patients recovering from ACL injuries

• Standing two-arm overhead throw of medicine ball for rehabilitation of injured rotator cuff

6. Biofeedback

 Biofeedback is used to train patients to improve muscle strength by applying electrodes to the skin that read signals from the body. When biofeedback is used in a physical therapy setting, it gives patients an immediate sense of control and increases interest and motivation, which in turn produces better functional outcomes.

 Biofeedback can be used in physical therapy to:

• Help stroke patients regain movement of paralyzed or weakened muscles

• Strengthen weak pelvic floor muscles in patients recovering from pelvic injuries

 7. Pilates

 Pilates is much more than the latest gym trend—it’s a comprehensive exercise system that uses isolated muscle movement to boost strength, control core muscles, improve spinal mobility, increase postural strength, and correct muscular alignment.

 Pilates can be used in physical therapy to:

• Improve posture and reprogram muscles for patients with repetitive strain injury (RSI)

• Restore function following a stroke, or in patients with Parkinson’s or MS

Get back to your best at Bella Vista Health Center

 At Bella Vista Health Center, we understand that all physical therapy patients respond to exercises at different rates of improvement. That’s why our Physical Therapy Department customizes treatments to meet each patient’s unique needs. Our evidence-based, outcome-driven therapy programs strive to get our patients back to their best. If you or someone you love, is in need of physical therapy in San Diego, contact us today for more information.  

Facts about Skilled Nursing Facilities

Years ago, people who were hospitalized were typically only discharged after they fully recovered, but policies and practices have changed. Now, while some hospital patients go directly home to recuperate, others require a more involved recovery program. In these cases, patients are transferred to skilled nursing facilities.

In addition to providing follow-up care for patients leaving the hospital, skilled nursing facilities also provide long-term care for patients with ongoing medical conditions that require round-the-clock care. This is where some confusion arises about skilled nursing facilities particularly in comparison to nursing homes and assisted living facilities. To help set the record straight, here are some facts about skilled nursing facilities:

What is skilled nursing care?

Skilled nursing care is a high level of medical care provided by trained professionals, including doctors, registered nurses, and physical, speech, and occupational therapists. These services are available for short-term rehabilitation from an illness or injury, or long-term for patients who need frequent medical and custodial care. Skilled nursing care addresses:

• General wound care: cleaning wounds and administering antibiotics for infection

• Acute medical conditions: medical care for illnesses, infections, or injuries that threatens the patient’s health

• General rehabilitation: speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy and other services to help patients recover after an extended illness or operation

• Custodial care: helping patients with needs like bathing, dressing and eating.

• Stroke recovery: rehabilitation therapy to help patients regain motor skills and speech functions

• Parkinson’s disease care: specific care required for advanced Parkinson’s cases

• Terminal illness care: services for people living with terminal illness and requiring custodial care and medical care

Who needs skilled nursing care?

Patients might need short-term skilled nursing care if they don’t have enough help at home to recover after hospitalization, or if they have surgical wounds that require frequent attention. Short-term skilled nursing care is also ideal for patients who need physical, occupational, or speech therapy following surgery or an illness. Long-term skilled nursing care is needed when residents have chronic medical conditions that need constant monitoring and treatment.

What is the difference between skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes?

Nursing homes are long-term care facilities for people, usually senior citizens, who need round-the-clock supervision, but the care provided is more custodial in nature than medical. Some of the daily activities or services provided include helping patients in and out of bed, bathing, dressing, using the bathroom, eating, and minor medical care such as help with medications. Their range of care is limited. 

Skilled nursing facilities provide care by medical doctors, registered nurses, and licensed therapists. They also offer pharmaceutical, laboratory, and radiology services. Skilled nursing facilities provide a full spectrum of services for those in need of both short- and long-term care. 

What is the difference between skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities?

Assisted living facilities usually have a nurse or other medical professional on staff, but the facilities are geared toward senior citizens who are able to maintain independence and care for themselves, with limited medical assistance. 

Skilled nursing facilities, on the other hand, are equipped to provide services for those who maintain a high level of independence as well as those who need a higher level of care. Skilled nursing facilities also provide both short- and long-term medical care for patients recovering from injuries or illnesses, whereas assisted living facilities focus mainly on assistance with daily activities. 

What amenities are offered at skilled nursing facilities?

One common myth about skilled nursing facilities is that they provide medical care and little else in the way of amenities. But this is just not true. Many skilled nursing facilities operate with the clear understanding that recovery works best when short- and long-term care serves the mind, body and spirit. At Bella Vista Health Center, we offer a variety of fun activities such as live music and group outings, plus yoga and meditation, salon services, and free concierge service for our residents. We also help residents with social services, dental and vision services, and discharge planning if needed.

Let us care for you

If you are seeking a skilled nursing facility in San Diego, you’ve come to the right place. At Bella Vista Health Center, we’re dedicated to creating a warm, welcome environment in our newly remodeled 5-star facility where all our patients feel comfortable and cared for. Our recovery programs are customized to each individual patient, and we do everything we can to ensure the highest possible quality of life for everyone who comes through our doors. To learn more about our services or schedule a tour, call us today at (619) 644-1000 or fill out our form fill.