Understanding Skilled Nursing Facilities: Care, Services & What to Expect

Skilled nursing facilities serve people needing 24-hour care without hospitalization. According to the Merck Medical Library, medically trained staff provides long-term care, with nurses supervising treatments, giving medications and monitoring chronic disorders.

The Facts

• Skilled nursing facilities are also called nursing homes. In 2004, there were 16,100 skilled nursing facilities in the U.S. Each state licenses and regulates its own nursing homes.

Types

• Some assisted living communities provide skilled nursing care, as do some retirement communities. You may need supplemental insurance to pay for a portion of the skilled medical services offered by these facilities.

Features

• At least one doctor oversees medical care in every nursing home. Some nursing homes provide physical therapists, dentists, neurologists or psychiatrists to deal with specific problems.

Financing

• Medicare pays for some expenses incurred in Medicare-certified skilled nursing homes. Each state regulates Medicaid eligibility. Contact your local Medicaid office to find out if you qualify.

Considerations

• If family and friends can help with your non-medical needs, like shopping and meal preparation, Medicare offers plans that pay for in-home, skilled nursing care.