As we age, there may come a time when we require more assistance with everyday living tasks or even medical care. This is where the decision between a skilled nursing facility and a nursing home comes in. While some people use these terms interchangeably, they provide different levels of care and services. Understanding the difference between the two can help you make a more informed decision regarding your or your loved one’s care needs. In this article, we’ll dive into the factual data to help you understand the nuances of skilled nursing facilities versus nursing homes.
Focus on non-medical everyday living tasks
Regarding skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes, one of the main differences is the level of care provided. Nursing homes focus on non-medical everyday living tasks, also known as custodial care, such as bathing, eating, and dressing. Residents are typically medically stable but may need assistance due to chronic conditions or mobility issues. Nursing homes are considered more permanent residences where residents receive ongoing care and support. On the other hand, skilled nursing facilities provide a higher level of specific care, with advanced training and certifications required for staff members. Skilled nursing care is usually offered to patients undergoing medically necessary rehabilitation treatment, making it a temporary residence. While nursing homes may be less expensive, Medicare will cover a skilled nursing facility as long there is a need for skilled service. It is important to research and understand the differences between these two options before making a decision.
Residents are medically stable but need assistance with chronic conditions or lack of mobility
Skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes can be excellent choices for medically stable individuals who require assistance with chronic conditions or lack mobility. These facilities provide specialized care to meet the unique needs of their residents and are staffed with licensed health professionals. Skilled nursing facilities provide more specific care, while nursing homes provide more generalized care. It’s worth noting that skilled nursing care requires advanced training and certifications, while nursing homes do not. Additionally, nursing homes tend to be more expensive than skilled nursing facilities, and Medicare covers skilled nursing facilities as long as there is a need for skilled service. Therefore, it is essential to do your research and consider all factors when choosing a long-term care facility to ensure that you or your loved one receives the care and support they need. Ultimately, the goal is to find a facility that can meet your physical and emotional needs and provide a comfortable and safe environment for you or your loved one.
Considered a more permanent residence
When it comes to long-term care, a nursing home is considered a more permanent residence than a skilled nursing facility. Nursing homes provide more generalized care for individuals who require assistance with chronic conditions or lack of mobility, making it an ideal option for those who need hands-on care and supervision around the clock. However, long-term care is typically not covered by insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid because it is intended as a permanent residence. On the other hand, skilled nursing facilities primarily offer 24-hour care to patients undergoing medically necessary rehabilitation treatment. This temporary residence is staffed with licensed health professionals who provide a higher level of specific skilled care. Medicare covers skilled nursing facilities as long as there is a need for skilled service, making this an ideal option for those who require short-term care, but may not be able to return home after rehabilitation. Ultimately, choosing between these two options depends on the individual’s care needs and the goal of the care.
Primarily for patients undergoing medically necessary rehabilitation treatment
Skilled nursing facilities are primarily designed for patients who require medically necessary rehabilitation treatment. These facilities are staffed with licensed health professionals who offer skilled nursing services that require advanced training and certifications. Patients undergoing rehabilitation receive specialized care that includes physical, occupational, and speech therapy, wound care, IV therapy, injections, catheter care, continuous monitoring of medical signs, and medical equipment to support the patient’s care needs. These facilities aim to restore function following an illness or injury so older adults can get back to the people and activities they love. Skilled nursing facilities provide a temporary residence for patients and are often utilized for care after a hospital stay following an accident, severe illness, or surgery to help a patient regain their ability to do activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, cooking, personal hygiene, walking, and getting into/out of a bed or chair. Skilled nursing facilities provide a higher level of specific care and meet specific criteria required by the Department of Public Health and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Temporary residence
A nursing facility is generally considered a temporary residence for patients who require medically necessary rehabilitation treatment. These patients are medically stable but require the assistance of licensed health professionals due to chronic conditions or lack of mobility. They receive round-the-clock assistance with healthcare needs and typically stay in the facility for a maximum of three weeks before they are discharged. The care provided in skilled nursing facilities includes emphasis on rehabilitation, such as gait training and bowel and bladder training, as well as administering potent injectable medications and intravenous medications and solutions regularly. This specialized level of care requires advanced training and certifications for the staff.
In contrast, nursing homes provide more generalized care and are considered a more permanent residence for people in need of custodial care 24/7. Many skilled nursing facilities accept Medicare as long as there is a need for skilled service. Overall, skilled nursing facilities play an important role in rehabilitating and helping patients regain their independence.
Staffed with licensed health professionals
Skilled nursing facilities are staffed with licensed health professionals, including licensed nurses, physical and occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and audiologists. These medical professionals provide a higher level of specific care than can be found in a nursing home. Patients in a skilled nursing facility receive around-the-clock assistance with healthcare and non-medical everyday living tasks. Compared to a nursing home, skilled nursing facilities are considered a more temporary residence for patients undergoing medically necessary rehabilitation treatment. The federal regulations governing skilled nursing facilities are extensive, ensuring patients receive high-quality care. While skilled nursing facilities can be expensive, private health insurance or Medicare and Medicaid cover them at least in part. Ultimately, skilled nursing facilities provide patients with specialized care from licensed professionals, ensuring they receive the care and assistance they need to recover from their ailments.
IV. Key Differences
Skilled nursing facilities provide a higher level of specific care
Skilled nursing facilities stand out for their specialized medical care, making them the preferred choice for seniors who require a higher level of specific care. These facilities are staffed with licensed health professionals, including doctors, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and other medical personnel. They offer a wide range and depth of medical services unavailable in nursing homes. For instance, individuals with severe accidents, illnesses like cancer, or those recovering from surgery, may require short-term care in a skilled nursing facility. Patients with acute medical conditions may also find skilled nursing facilities more appropriate. Skilled nursing requires advanced training and specific certifications, making the practitioners highly qualified to provide specialized care. Therefore, a skilled nursing facility is your best bet if you or your loved one requires specialized medical care. However, it is worth noting that skilled nursing care usually comes at a higher cost than nursing home care.
Nursing homes provide more generalized care
Nursing homes provide a more generalized level of care for their residents. They offer daily living assistance, such as meal preparation, housekeeping, medical care, and medication dispensation. While some nursing home residents may need frequent medical care, they do not require the specialized services provided in skilled nursing facilities. Nursing homes are primarily for individuals who need a more permanent residence or for those who are medically stable but require assistance with chronic conditions or lack of mobility. Nursing home staff includes nurses’ aides who provide a significant portion of resident care, along with the possible presence of a doctor on staff. Nursing homes tend to be more expensive, and payment can come from estate planning or spending down assets to be eligible for Medicaid. Medicare covers skilled nursing facilities as long as there is a need for skilled services, but not nursing homes. Overall, nursing homes can provide suitable care for those who need assistance with daily living and medical care.
Skilled nursing care requires advanced training and certifications
One of the main differences between skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes is the level of specialized care provided. Skilled nursing care requires advanced training and certifications, meaning licensed health professionals such as registered nurses (RNs) and physical/occupational therapists must provide it. On the other hand, nursing homes offer more generalized care, where staff may not require the same level of training and certification. It is essential to note that nursing homes may still employ skilled specialists to provide ongoing care and medical monitoring. However, without the advanced training required by skilled nursing, nursing homes are often less equipped to recover from an acute illness or restore function lost after a hospital stay. Skilled nursing facilities provide more specific care, such as physical rehabilitation, cardiac care, pulmonary rehab, post-stroke recovery, wound care, and speech therapy, which may not be readily available in nursing homes.
Cost Differences
Nursing homes tend to be more expensive
One of the key differences between skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes is the cost. Nursing homes tend to be more expensive than skilled nursing facilities. This is because nursing homes provide a more generalized level of care, while skilled nursing facilities provide a higher level of specific care that requires advanced training and certification. Medicare does cover skilled nursing facilities as long as skilled services are needed, but Medicare does not necessarily cover nursing home care. To pay for nursing home care, people typically either do estate planning at least five years before they think they’ll have to enter a nursing home or spend down their assets to pay for the care until they are eligible for Medicaid. It is important to consider the cost of long-term care when planning for future healthcare needs and to understand the differences between nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities to make an informed decision.
Medicare covers skilled nursing facilities as long as there is a need for skilled service
Medicare covers up to 100 days of care in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) for each benefit period as long as there is a need for skilled service. This means that the patient must require daily care that can only be performed by or under the supervision of professionals or technical personnel, such as skilled nursing or therapy staff. The care must be necessary to manage, treat, and observe the patient’s medical condition. Medicare will only cover medically necessary services provided in a Medicare-certified SNF. However, Medicare will not cover room and board, meaning the patient may have to pay out of pocket for some expenses. It is also important to note that if the patient needs skilled nursing care beyond the 100-day limit, they will have to pay for it themselves. To ensure that patients do not face unexpected costs, it is essential to keep track of the number of days spent in the SNF and to understand Medicare’s coverage limitations.