Nursing Homes (Skilled Nursing Facilities): Care, Coverage, and How to Find the Right Fit
A nursing home—also called a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)—provides 24/7 nursing care. People use nursing homes for:
Short-term recovery and rehabilitation after a hospital stay (post-acute care)
Ongoing, long-term care for chronic health needs when living at home is no longer safe
Is a Nursing Home Right for You?
Consider a nursing home if you or a loved one:
Need 24/7 nursing supervision, medication management, or complex wound care
Are recovering from surgery, stroke, fall, or serious illness and need physical, occupational, or speech therapy
Have advanced dementia or behavior changes that require trained staff and a secure environment
Have tried home care or assisted living and still need more support
What Services Do Nursing Homes Provide?
24/7 licensed nursing care and monitoring
Rehabilitation therapies: physical, occupational, and speech therapy
Medication management and pharmacy coordination
Help with daily activities: bathing, dressing, eating, transfers, and toileting
Specialized care: memory care units, cardiac and respiratory support, diabetes management, wound care
Nutrition planning and on-site meals
Social activities, spiritual support, and family coordination
Discharge planning to help you return home safely, when possible
Short-Term Rehab vs. Long-Term Care
Short-term rehab (post-acute care): Time-limited stay to regain strength after a hospital stay. Goal: return home.
Long-term care: Ongoing support for chronic conditions or progressive illnesses. Goal: safety, comfort, and quality of life.
How Nursing Homes Differ from Assisted Living and Home Care
Nursing homes: Highest medical support, 24/7 nursing, therapies on-site.
Assisted living: Help with daily tasks, but limited medical care; good for moderate support needs.
Home care: Care comes to you; best when the home is safe and needs are manageable without 24/7 nursing.
Paying for Nursing Home Care
Medicare: Often covers short-term skilled nursing and therapy after a qualifying hospital stay. It does not typically cover long-term custodial care.
Medicaid: May cover long-term care for people who meet medical and financial eligibility rules. Many residents use Medicaid.
Private pay: Savings, retirement income, or family support.
Long-term care insurance: May cover part of the cost if your policy includes nursing home benefits.
Veterans benefits: Some veterans and spouses may qualify for assistance.
Costs vary by state, level of care, and room type. Our Care Team can help you confirm benefits and estimate out-of-pocket costs before you decide.
Quality and Safety
Look for:
State inspection reports and the CMS Five-Star Quality Rating
Staffing levels and staff stability .
Therapy intensity and outcomes
Safety practices, infection control, and fall prevention
Resident and family satisfaction
How to Get Started (Simple 4-Step Process)
1. Tell us what you need: Call our Care Team or enter your ZIP code to see nearby nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities.
2.Check coverage: We verify Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance benefits and explain your options in plain language.
3.Compare options: We share licensed facilities that match your medical needs, budget, and location preferences.
4. Tour and decide: Schedule guided tours (in-person or virtual). We help with paperwork and the move-in plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare pay for nursing home care?
Medicare may cover a limited, short-term stay for skilled nursing and rehab after a qualifying hospital stay. It does not usually pay for long-term custodial care. We can check your exact coverage.
What is Medicaid, and how do I qualify?
Medicaid may pay for long-term nursing home care if you meet financial and medical criteria. Rules vary by state. We can connect you with Medicaid planning resources.
How long is a short-term rehab stay?
It depends on your condition and therapy goals. Many stays last a few weeks. Your care team will review progress weekly.
Can couples live together in a nursing home?
Some facilities offer companion rooms. Availability depends on care needs and room types.
What should I look for during a tour?
Cleanliness, staff interactions, therapy spaces, dining options, activity calendar, and safety practices. Ask about staffing levels and how they manage emergencies.
What should I bring for a short-term stay?
Comfortable clothes, supportive shoes, personal toiletries, glasses/hearing aids, labeled devices and chargers, and a list of medications.
How do I compare quality?
Review the CMS Five-Star Ratings and recent state inspection reports, and ask about therapy outcomes.
