You’ve heard a lot about universal health care lately, but what do skilled nursing facilities have to do with it? While most people think of hospitals and doctor’s offices when they hear the term “health care”, it’s important to understand that skilled nursing facilities also play a critical role in providing quality health care services.
Skilled nursing facilities are an essential part of the universal health care initiative, providing quality and comprehensive health care for those in need. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of quality skilled nursing care in the context of universal health care and why it is so important. We’ll also discuss some of the common issues that can arise when providing skilled nursing care. Finally, we will touch on how you can get involved and make a difference by advocating for access to quality skilled nursing care for everyone.
What Is the Universal Health Care Initiative?
At its most basic level, Universal Health Care (UHC) is about ensuring that all of us have access to essential healthcare services without any financial hardship. It’s a shared vision and a global commitment to ensure that everyone can get the health care they need, regardless of their ability to pay.
UHC2030 is a mission to accelerate progress towards the UHC goal. It brings together governments, international organizations, civil society and multilateral partners who are committed to creating an environment where all people can receive the health care they need without facing economic hardship.
Whole Washington is a grassroots campaign to win universal healthcare for everyone in Washington State and beyond. The campaign works to build public support and competition among legislators so that benefits are expanded and every Washingtonian has access to quality skilled nursing care at an affordable cost.
Benefits of Universal Health Care for Skilled Nursing Facilities
One of the benefits of the Universal Health Care system is that it provides access to quality health care when and where it’s needed. This is especially true when it comes to skilled nursing care. Under Original Medicare, you’re eligible for up to 100 days of short-term rehabilitation after a hospital stay of at least 3 days.
At a Universal Health Care facility, you’ll receive certified care by both Medicare and Medicaid that’s tailored to your specific condition and needs. The quality is top-notch and the staff are trained to provide the best possible care. You’ll be able to access a range of services tailored to your health profile, so you can get back on your feet fast.
Universal Health Coverage also helps support those with chronic conditions, who need ongoing and specialized care. With 24/7 nursing onsite, you have peace of mind knowing that your needs will be taken care of in an environment specifically designed for long-term rehabilitation.
Quality Standards for Skilled Nursing Facilities
Caring for loved ones in a skilled nursing facility can be daunting, but when you know they are getting quality care, it helps. That’s why the Skilled Nursing Quality Standards Board was formed in California to set and maintain standards for skilled nursing facilities in the state.
This board, which is housed under the California Health and Human Services Agency, outlines a series of quality measures that must be met by all skilled nursing providers. These quality measurement sets include both NQF-endorsed measures (which are designed to help providers track and improve their performance) and measures from the Minimum Data Set (which focus on evaluating functional status). The board also includes CAHPS measures, which measure patient experience.
Ultimately, it is the U.S. Department of Health and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) who regulate skilled nursing facilities. So while it’s important to understand what quality standards they’re looking at, it’s also important to make sure you select a facility that meets those standards – so your loved one gets the best possible care.
Financing for Skilled Nursing in Universal Health Care Systems
Do you know that financing for skilled nursing care is possible in universal health care systems? It’s true—the United States government has programs to provide temporary, indirect support, and the Rural Health Care Program offers financing for eligible health care providers.
In addition, Universal Health Care (UHC) requires health financing systems to provide prepaid pooled resources for key health services. Specifically, this means support for long-term and primary health care at the national and local levels.
These prepaid pooled resources represent the commitment of national governments to prioritize the best quality skilled nursing care for all citizens. This financing allows for the establishment of inpatient, outpatient and home-based services, as well as a network of skilled nursing facilities that are accessible to all citizens regardless of their socio-economic status.
Challenges of Implementing Universal Health Care in Skilled Nursing Facilities
When we talk about universal health care, one thing that’s often left out of the conversation is the skilled nursing facility. With the current shortage of medical staff and hospitals facing delays in their patient discharges, it’s no wonder why skilled nursing facilities are at a crossroads.
Staff shortages
When it comes to providing quality universal health care in a nursing facility, perhaps one of the biggest challenges that universal health care initiative will face is staff shortages. While medical staff may be available, getting them to work in a nursing facility often requires extra training and education — something that isn’t always easy or affordable to provide.
Education and training of nurses
The challenge of education and training doesn’t end just with the medical staff either. Nurses are also in short supply, and retraining them for a specialized skill set can take years. To compound this challenge further, many states lack incentives for keeping qualified nurses working in skilled nursing facilities — leading to a decrease in overall quality in service and coverage.
Incentives for qualified nurses
Promising initiatives like India’s Nurse Practitioner in Primary Healthcare program seek to tackle these issues head-on by offering incentives like industry-standard salaries, employer-provided housing and other benefits that attract qualified nurses to work at those facilities. But until those types of programs become the norm throughout the world, universal health care initiatives will continue to struggle when it comes to adequately staffing their skilled nursing facilities.
The Future of Universal Health Care in Skilled Nursing Facilities
The future of universal health care in skilled nursing facilities looks bright. According to a recent report, up to $265 billion worth of care services for Medicare fee-for-service and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries could shift to the home by 2025. This means that more individuals will be able to receive the quality skilled nursing care that they need without having to enter a nursing facility.
But why is this shift happening? It’s largely due to the US government’s efforts to make long-term care more accessible and easier to obtain. In recent years, through a series of state initiatives, Medicaid is required by law to pay only for long-term care delivered in skilled nursing facilities. This initiative has helped many individuals get the care they need without putting an undue financial strain on their families.
Finally, there has been a greater focus on making skilled nursing facilities safer and more inclusive for all individuals who need long-term care. From optimizing healthcare technology solutions such as electronic health records (EHRs) and telehealth solutions, to improving security protocols, more and more skilled nursing facilities are dedicated towards providing a safe environment for those in need.
In short, it’s clear that the future of universal health care in skilled nursing facilities is full of potential—and opportunities abound!
Conclusion
Skilled nursing facilities that provide quality care should be a basic human right for everyone. With the growing awareness of the importance of specialized healthcare, the future of universal access may be within reach. Governments and healthcare organizations worldwide must make it a priority now to ensure that everyone has access to quality skilled nursing care. By prioritizing the welfare of our most vulnerable populations, we can ensure a brighter future for all.