Skilled Nursing
What is Skilled Nursing Care?
Skilled nursing care is designed for people who need further recovery after hospitalization for an illness or injury. Whether accommodations and services are offered in a freestanding skilled nursing facility, a nursing home or in a designated area of a Life Plan Community, skilled nursing care provides comprehensive care to those who need around-the-clock care or assistance with most, if not all, activities of daily living. Length of stays are typically for a short period of time, on average 20 to 38 days.
Skilled nursing units are licensed and offer 24/7 medical care by a trained medical staff. Many also provide rehabilitation services, memory support services and other types of specialized care. They’re typically Medicare/Medicaid-certified, and monthly fees include meals, assistance and most medical services.
Skilled Nursing Services
In addition to medical services and monitoring provided by a team of therapists, RNs, LPNs and certified nurse aides, skilled nursing care may also include:
- Private or semiprivate rooms
- Three meals per day
- Housekeeping and laundry service
- Social programs and activities
- Exercise and physical therapy programs
Skilled Nursing vs Nursing Homes: What You Need to Know
The terms skilled nursing facility and nursing home are often used interchangeably. While both provide 24/7 medical care and assistance, there are some distinct differences when it comes to the purpose of each facility and the level of care provided.
Skilled nursing facilities are temporary residences for individuals requiring specialized care while recovering from an illness, injury, or surgery. They employ a team of healthcare professionals, such as registered nurses, therapists, and other specialists, to provide high level medical and rehabilitative services. A skilled nursing facility offers transitional care, with the goal of getting patients well enough to return home. Many patients are discharged after 20 to 38 days, but length of stay can vary.
Nursing homes are residential facilities that offer ongoing custodial care to individuals who are unable to care for themselves due to chronic conditions, disabilities, or other medical issues. Residents receive comprehensive, around-the-clock care and assistance with activities of daily living from licensed practical nurses and aides under the supervision of a registered nurse. The goal of nursing home care is to provide a safe, comfortable environment and maximize quality of life through programs, activities, and social opportunities.
What is the Difference Between Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living?
Put simply, assisted living communities are more residential, while nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities are more clinical. Assisted living provides a social lifestyle. Nursing homes (or skilled nursing facilities) focus on medical care.
Assisted living communities are a great choice for those in fairly good health. It’s for those who only need a little support with some daily activities. A nursing home or skilled nursing facility is better when 24-hour medical care along with basic services is required. Let’s take a deeper look at skilled nursing care and whom it benefits most.
The Cost of Skilled Nursing
Skilled nursing costs vary depending on the length of stay, size of the room, and what region of the country you’re in. The latest NIC MAP data shows that the national average daily cost is $364.
Does Medicare pay for skilled nursing facilities? Sort of. Medicare will cover skilled nursing care – but with conditions and stipulations. First, care must be predicated by a hospitalization. Post-hospital care must be provided in a Medicare-approved facility (or by a home healthcare agency) and must occur within 30 days of the hospital stay. Medicare covers the full cost of medically necessary skilled care for the first 20 days (including a semi-private room – private rooms are paid out-of-pocket – meals, medications, therapies, etc.). After that, patients must pay a co-pay. Medicare coverage stops after 100 days.
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.
How to Evaluate Your Options
Related Resources and Articles Sources
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