Galesburg Cottage Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit provides quality care to patients who no longer need acute hospital services. The 28-bed unit provides a supportive home-like environment which encourages and assists patients to attain their optimum level of function and independence.

Skilled care is not residential, custodial, or intermediate care. Rather, it is a level of care directed by a physician which requires skilled nursing observations, restorative nursing, and rehabilitative services provided under professional supervision.

The average stay of a Skilled Nursing Unit patient is brief - averaging less than 30 days, depending on the care and treatment each patient requires to reach his or her highest level of functioning. The program of care is directed toward the restoration of personal and social independence and health. All available resources are utilized, such as the family and community, to reach realistic goals for each patient.

Eligibility

Candidates for admission to the Skilled Nursing Unit are patients who are in the post-acute phase of an illness or surgery or who have reoccurrences of symptoms of long-term illnesses. (For example, a patient discharged from the acute area of the hospital, but not ready to return home, could be transferred to the Skilled Nursing Unit.) To be admitted to the Unit, patients must be referred by their physicians.

Accommodations

Patients stay in a hospital-like, semi-private or private room with cable television and telephones. Meals are served in a large, attractively decorated community room. Patients unable to be out of bed can have their meals served in their rooms.

Home Preparation

The Skilled Nursing Unit allows time for the patient and family to adjust to a less acute level of health care before going home. This can be accomplished while providing an environment conducive to learning any skills necessary for providing care at home. Within this atmosphere, the patient and family can begin to focus on the future needs together.

If you have questions or would like more information about the Cottage Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit, call 309-345-4309.

Services

The Skilled Nursing Unit offers a wide range of services, including:

• 24-hour skilled nursing care

• A wide range of laboratory and radiology services

• Rehabilitative services (occupational, physical, and speech therapy)

• Access to emergency services of Cottage Hospital

• Clinical specialists on staff (intravenous therapy and oncology)

• A daily activity program to develop personal and social independence

• Nutrition counseling, as needed

• Social services and discharge planning assistance

Galesburg Cottage Hospital will admit/treat all clients in need of medical services without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, mental or physical handicap, or method of payment. For additional information, contact Galesburg Cottage Hospital, (309) 343-8131, or Cottage Hospital TDD, (309) 343-4682.