What is Skilled Nursing Care?

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