What Is Skilled Nursing Care? Understanding the Services Provided

When people hear the term skilled nursing care, they often think of the care provided in nursing homes. Others confuse skilled nursing care with services offered in assisted living communities or short-term rehabilitation centers. But the truth is, skilled nursing care is its own level of care. It’s a service that blends medical expertise with supportive care in a way that’s different from other senior living or healthcare settings.

In this article, you’ll find clear answers to help you understand what skilled nursing care really means, who it helps and how it compares to other options. Let’s break it down:

What Exactly is Skilled Nursing Care?

Skilled nursing care is for people who need 24/7 medical oversight — whether recovering from surgery, managing a chronic illness or living with complex health needs. For some, it’s a short-term bridge between hospital and home; for others, it becomes a long-term source of stability and support. Unlike other care settings, skilled nursing follows strict regulations, is usually Medicare- or Medicaid-certified and focuses on helping patients recover, stabilize, or manage ongoing conditions.”

Where is Nursing Care Provided?

Care is most often provided in a skilled nursing facility (SNF). Many nursing homes and Continuing Care Retirement Communities (also known as Life Plan Communities) operate skilled nursing wings or units with licensed staff and regulatory oversight.

What’s the Between a Skilled Nursing Facility and a Nursing Home?

A skilled nursing facility is a temporary residence for patients undergoing medically necessary rehabilitation or care, while a nursing home is more of a permanent residence for people in need of 24/7 care. These services are often under the same physical roof.

Who Needs Skilled Nursing Care?

Skilled nursing care is best suited for people with medical needs that go beyond what assisted living or in-home care can provide.

• Post-hospital recovery: People healing from surgeries, strokes, heart attacks, or other serious illnesses.
• Short-term rehabilitation: Those needing physical, occupational, or speech therapy before returning home.
• Long-term complex needs: Older adults managing multiple chronic conditions who require continuous medical supervision.

For most people, skilled nursing care is temporary, lasting only until recovery goals are met. But for those with advanced or ongoing health needs, skilled nursing care may become long-term.

What Services Are Considered Skilled Nursing Care?

Many enter skilled nursing after a hospital stay for surgery, stroke or treatment of serious heart, kidney, or respiratory conditions. These services may include:

• Physical therapy: Customized plans to rebuild strength, restore movement, and improve mobility.
• Occupational therapy: Training and exercises to support daily living skills such as dressing, coordination, and memory.
• Speech therapy: Treatment for communication challenges and swallowing disorders, including strategies for alternative communication and diet recommendations.
• Medication management and specialized medical care: Administration of IV drugs, wound care and monitoring of complex health conditions.
• Social services and support: Counseling, discharge planning, and connection to community resources.

How is Quality Care Assured?

Skilled nursing care is regulated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). To maintain certification, communities must meet strict standards and undergo regular inspections to ensure quality.

Does Medicare Cover Care in a Skilled Nursing Facility?

Medicare Part A covers up to 100 days in a skilled nursing facility after a qualifying hospital stay. The Part A deductible covers the first 20 days per benefit period. After that, you pay a share of the cost for each additional day of your stay. You would start paying the full cost after 100 days.

Medicare Typically Covers

• Services like wound dressing changes that require a registered nurse.
• Physical, occupational, or speech therapy provided by licensed professionals.
  Semi-Private Room and Meals.
• Necessary medical supplies and equipment used during your SNF stay.
• Certain medications are covered for the duration of your Medicare-covered stay.

What Medicare Does Not Cover

• Ongoing, non-medical care or custodial care (help with daily activities like bathing or eating).
• Private rooms unless medically necessary.

To learn more about what Medicare does and doesn’t cover, visit Medicare.gov.

Does Medicaid Skilled Nursing Care?

Medicaid coverage is available only for services provided in a nursing home licensed by the state as a Medicaid Nursing Facility. Services are paid for only when other payment options are unavailable. If you are on Medicaid, consult your state’s rules as to what skilled nursing care and rehabilitation will be covered following surgery, illness, or injury. A doctor’s order will be required.

To learn more about how Medicaid can help offset the cost of skilled nursing or long-term care, visit Medicaid.gov.

How Do You Evaluate Your Options?

When skilled care is needed, how do you choose a quality provider? Here are some links to helpful information that can get you started.
Medicare’s overall star rating
U.S. News & World Report

Find Community

Skilled nursing care blends medical expertise with personal support, offering care and comfort during a short recovery or ongoing complex medical care. By knowing what skilled nursing includes and how it differs from other senior living options, you’ll be better prepared to find the right care and peace of mind for your family. Find communities offering skilled nursing care

Where You Live Matters

For families exploring their senior living options, access to accurate, comprehensive data is invaluable. WYLM offers this and more by providing exclusive industry insights, unbiased resources, and direct community connections. It’s not just about finding a place to live; it’s about making the best possible choice for the future – because where you live really does matter. Start your search today.

Sources:
United Healthcare
National Alliance for Care at Home
National Council on Aging
Healthline