Skilled nursing facilities (nursing homes) provide 24-hour medical care for people who need ongoing nursing supervision, rehabilitation services, or complex medical treatment that can't be provided at home or in assisted living.
What is a Skilled Nursing Facility?
A skilled nursing facility (SNF), commonly called a nursing home, provides the highest level of care outside a hospital. Licensed nurses are on-site around the clock to provide medical care.
Who Needs Skilled Nursing?
- People recovering from surgery, stroke, or serious illness
- Those requiring IV therapy, wound care, or feeding tubes
- Individuals needing physical, occupational, or speech therapy
- People with complex medical conditions requiring constant monitoring
- Those who need more care than assisted living can provide
Services Provided
- 24-hour nursing care
- Physician visits
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Wound care and IV therapy
- Medication administration
- Help with all daily activities
- Meals and nutrition management
Short-Term vs Long-Term Care
- Short-term (rehab): Usually covered by Medicare for up to 100 days after a hospital stay
- Long-term (custodial): For ongoing care needs; typically paid by Medicaid or private funds
How Much Does It Cost?
- National average: $8,000-$9,000/month for semi-private room
- Private room: $9,000-$10,000/month
- Medicare covers short-term rehab stays
- Medicaid covers long-term care for those who qualify
- Long-term care insurance may help
How to Choose
- Check Medicare's Care Compare ratings (1-5 stars)
- Look at state inspection reports
- Visit in person at different times
- Talk to families of current residents
- Ask about staff turnover rates
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