In an effort to meet the evolving needs and growing demands of a patient population that’s become sicker and more complex over the course of Covid, Marquis Health Consulting Services will be enhancing its direct admission options for skilled nursing patients that will serve as an alternative to care in the home.

The SNF service will provide an alternative for patients who do not meet acute admission criteria but still require – and would benefit from – SNF care, according to a news release from the Brick, N.J.-based nursing home consulting company on Wednesday.

Marquis hopes the move will help to better support the needs of its regional health care partners and that patients will benefit from a hospitality-focused environment, transition planning support and post discharge follow-up.

“Marquis’ expanded Urgent SNF Service is in direct response to the call from overburdened hospital systems for further support in providing quality of care for patients,” said Jennifer Hertzog, vice president of marketing and business development in the Mid Atlantic,. “The enhanced service model provides 24/7 access to placement for patients and offers an alternative to home care when staffing gaps arise, which has become more common due to the pandemic’s strain on healthcare systems.”

The program will be tailored to meet a range of diagnoses, signs and symptoms – including new-onset medical issues as well as the exacerbation of or change in existing conditions.

Each facility decides what services they wish to receive with cardiology and pulmonology among the most common selections as well as therapy services that are available seven days a week.

“The program, which was initially established five years ago, supports Marquis’ belief – and a global health care expectation – for the right provision of care in the right place at the right time,” Hertzog added.