Medical Specialty Unit in Long Term Care

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Specializes in ICU, ER, MS, REHAB, HOSP ICE, LTC DON.

Several larger nursing homes are adding Medical Specialty Units. ( MSU ) This is separate from Skilled Care but more advanced than Rehab where the focus is on quality indicators, outcome measurements and teaching. The core of these programs is individualized and tailored to the patient for education, group and individual therapy with attention to comorbidities and physical therapy to return to maximum functionality. These new units have special programs in Diabetes Care, Wound Care, Pulmonary, Cardiac, Neuro and Ortho., just to name some. I would like to talk to any nurses out there who works in one or has ever managed one of these units.

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I am also interested to hear any responses to this.

This is something new to me. I never heard of MSU in LTC......indeed i will do some research.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, MS, REHAB, HOSP ICE, LTC DON.

Thank you Bronze 2, I am really surprised I haven't gotten more responses.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, MS, REHAB, HOSP ICE, LTC DON.

mso819, sorry about the name mix up, it's been a while since I've been on here and they have added the color codes, lol

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

There are facilities with niches but I've not seen any MSUs. Interesting idea.

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If LTC facilities start MSUs do you think it will be more skilled patients as admits?

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

With the rare exception of a short respite stay, ALL my residents are admitted as skilled residents. We currently don't take anyone who isn't skilled since we have no long term beds available.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, MS, REHAB, HOSP ICE, LTC DON.

Yes they are always skilled, the difference is I have a separate unit for private suites, the dining is separate as is all the activities. We have a wonderful 8000 sf gym for rehab. The ones who qualify for the MSU program have to be willing to do the program at higher levels and be discharge to home usually within 4 weeks. The other rehabers will still go onto skilled unit but a lower level of care and stay longer.

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