When Choosing Skilled Nursing Care: Don’t Delay

Making the decision to move a family member to a skilled nursing facility is tough in normal circumstances, but during a pandemic, it’s even more challenging. One worries about the health and safety of loved ones, and about the possibility of not being able to visit.

But, keeping a family member at home when they can no longer safely reside alone, or trying to care for them without professional support, could have serious consequences.

“Generally speaking, people need skilled nursing care when they experience a sudden illness or injury that requires hospitalization,” says John Mastronardi, executive director of the Witherell. “But the level of care required for that individual is often far too challenging for a family member to deliver on their own. While it may work as a stop gap, the stress it puts on families is intense. Plus, the elderly are at high risk for falls, and if not monitored properly, could end up needing to be re-hospitalized.”

Instead, Mastronardi recommends that families do their research and select a highly-rated skilled nursing facility that has implemented rigorous protocols to safeguard the health of its residents and staff.

The Witherell’s comprehensive COVID-19 Response Plan was instrumental in reducing disease spread at the height of the pandemic. In fact, the Witherell has been COVID-free for many months. Meanwhile, we continue to follow all guidance from CMS, the CDC, and the CT Department of Health. This includes routine testing for our residents and staff, daily health monitoring and temperature checks, stepped up environmental safety precautions like frequent cleaning of shared spaces, masks are worn by staff and residents, and visitors are restricted. Instead, we facilitate outdoor, socially distanced family visits and Zoom and Face Time calls.

What hasn’t changed at the Witherell, however, is our commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care. As a five-star rated facility by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid that’s consistently rated as “Top Performing” by U.S. News & World Report, the Nathaniel Witherell offers long-term care and specialized care for those affected by dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, as well as short-term rehabilitation for individuals recovering from orthopedic surgery, cardiac/pulmonary issues, stroke, or other serious illness.

“Just as you shouldn’t delay essential medical care and health screenings, it’s important not to delay skilled nursing care for the elderly,” says Mastronardi. “Families can bring their loved ones to the Witherell and experience the same peace of mind as always. Care here is safe, highly skilled, compassionate, and necessary.”

For information on long-term care or short-term rehabilitation, please call our admissions office at (203) 618-4232.