A common area of confusion for those seeking and evaluating care options for a loved one is the difference between skilled nursing and senior rehabilitation. Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and rehab facilities offer different services and carry different costs. Show
In a nutshell, rehab facilities provide short-term, in-patient rehabilitative care. Skilled nursing facilities are for individuals who require a higher level of medical care than can be provided in an assisted living community. Some of the misunderstanding arises from the fact that skilled nursing facilities are often used for short-term rehabilitation stays. That’s the quick explanation, but let’s dig in a little deeper. Rehabilitation facilityShort-term rehabilitation is a sometimes necessary transition after a hospital stay following surgery, accident or illness that prepares a patient to get back to their highest level of independence. These facilities are not considered permanent residential establishments. When a patient leaves a rehab facility, they may return home and receive in-home assistance, or a permanent residential option like a senior living community. Rehab facilities are regulated and certified by the state and federal government. They must also meet certain state and local regulations. Staying at these facilities is covered by Medicare for up to 100 days. The staff of a rehab facility may include registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, vocational nurses, speech pathologists, physical therapists, audiologists, a medical director and other specialized medical staff as needed. Some of the conditions that may require care at a rehab facility include stroke, surgery, acute illness, infection and general wound care. These conditions may require physical therapy, administration of antibiotics, intravenous injections of medication or other medical care. Skilled nursing facilityIt’s helpful to know that skilled nursing describes the type of service offered. Skilled nursing is a level of care that must be provided by trained individuals, such as registered nurses (RNs) and physical, speech and occupational therapists. The need for skilled nursing services doesn’t automatically require placement in a residence, because skilled nursing services are available in a variety of senior care settings, which may include one’s home. A licensed physician supervises each patient’s care and a nurse or other medical professional is almost always on the premises. Physical and occupational therapists can also be on staff to assist with other residents. These services can be necessary over the short term for rehabilitation from an illness or injury, or they may be required over the long term for patients who need care on a frequent or around-the-clock basis due to a chronic medical condition. Examples of skilled nursing services include wound care, intravenous (IV) therapy, injections, physical therapy, and monitoring of vital signs and medical equipment. Ridge Crest at Meadow RidgeIf you or a loved one needs short-term rehabilitation or long-term health services in Redding, Connecticut, you can feel confident knowing Ridge Crest Health Center at Meadow Ridge offers the highest quality skilled nursing care and maintains an overall 5-Star rating in all categories from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. It’s no wonder that Ridge Crest was recently named one of the top nursing homes in Connecticut. Ridge Crest is close to several area hospitals, including Danbury Hospital and Norwalk Hospital, and maintains long-standing connections with each that will ease your transition. We’ll work with your doctor to provide customized treatment and our beautiful location provides its own special kind of therapeutic treatment. Ridge Crest accepts direct admissions with no entrance fee for both skilled nursing and rehabilitation? Learn more by calling (203) 544-1000 . If you or a loved one needs special post-acute medical care, you may be exploring your options when it comes to nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and home health services. These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but there’s actually a big difference in what each of them can do—and what private insurances and Medicare will cover. In this article, we break down what you and your loved ones need to know about nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care. Definitions: Nursing Homes, Skilled Nursing, and Home Health
Assisted Living vs. Nursing HomesYou might have heard about assisted living facilities when learning about nursing homes. Assisted living facilities are for people who need some help with daily needs, but not as much help as they would need at a nursing home. These facilities are sometimes called retirement homes. Assisted living facilities are not covered by Medicare, but Medicaid may be able to help with some costs. Many assisted living facilities do accept private insurance, but this can vary from place to place. What are the differences between all three?Nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies help patients depending on their unique medical and living needs. While they all involve care from certified professionals, let’s review some of the ways they differ. 1. Different Levels of Medical CareIn the past, nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities used to be separate. But the landscape has changed—and now many facilities in the Tampa Bay area are dual-certified to provide long-term care and short-term skilled nursing depending on your specific medical needs. At a long-term nursing home, full-time nurses, aides, and other staff can help residents with daily needs. But if a resident needs urgent medical attention, they’ll have access to physicians and other providers who can visit and provide skilled care. Someone needs skilled care when they require attention or treatment from a licensed medical professional. Skilled care services include physical therapy, wound care, IV medication, and more. Your doctor will help determine if you need skilled care services. For home health care, a clinician from a home health agency provides basic care (like checking blood pressure and temperature) right in a patient’s home. They can also change wound dressings, administer medication, and help with bathing. Licensed therapists can provide physical, speech, or occupational therapy. 2. The Location of CarePatients stay at nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities to be monitored by health professionals. Nursing homes provide long-term care, so someone might stay at their nursing home for an extended period of time. Skilled nursing facilities provide transitional care with the goal of getting patients home after a few days or weeks. For home health care, it’s exactly what it sounds like—patients can stay right at home with family. However, patients will need to leave home to travel to most doctor’s appointments. 3. Who Provides CareMost nursing homes employ full-time nurses to oversee patients. Nursing aides and other staff members also help with daily living tasks, like bathing and exercise. Most nursing homes also provide access to doctors and nurses for patients who require specific medical attention. Skilled nursing facilities have doctors, nurses, therapists, and other professionals on staff to provide more in-depth medical attention as patients recover. Sometimes, the doctor who oversaw a patient’s hospital stay will also see them at an SNF. Home health care agencies often send certified aids, therapists, or social workers to visit patients. These professionals give one-on-one care to support patients living independently. 4. The Length of Your StayNursing homes typically involve long-term stays for people who can’t live on their own. Stays can last a few months to a few years. Some nursing homes offer hospice or palliative services for very ill patients who need end-of-life care. On the other hand, stays at skilled nursing facilities are as short as possible. The goal is typically no longer than 20 days (the length covered 100% by Medicare), but some patients may stay longer. The average length of a stay will vary according to an individual patient’s progress. While SNFs aim to transition patients to independent living as quickly as possible, they’ll continue to provide care for as long as a patient continues to improve. For home health care, your doctor and your home health clinicians can help you determine how long you need home health care services. For some, that might be a few days or weeks. For others, it might be much longer. 5. Eligibility for Insurance CoverageWhen it comes to insurance, your specific plan will determine what coverage you may be eligible for. Private plans, Medicare, and Medicaid all typically offer at least some coverage for home health agencies and long-term stays at many skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes.
If you have questions about your or a loved one’s coverage, talk to your social worker, contact your insurance company, or call a facility directly to ask what they accept. Click here to view Florida Medical Clinic accepted insurances. Meet our hospital medicine departmentFrom hospital to home, our hospitalists are here to support you every step of the way. VIEW OUR HOSPITALISTS Which is right for me or my loved one?Your doctor can help you decide what kind of care is right for you depending on your individual needs. Ask them if you’re not sure or if you’re trying to help a loved one decide where to go.
Where do I go if I have more questions?Your doctor can always help if you’re unsure of what’s best for you or your loved one. Homes and facilities usually offer tours for prospective patients and their families and can answer questions if you call. Florida Medical Clinic patients and loved ones who want to learn more about skilled nursing facilities can call Katie North at (813) 255-3910. Our providers are here to support your health journey however we can. |