When older adults need extra care and support, they have several options available, including skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes. However, there are some key differences between a skilled nursing facility vs. a nursing home.
Some people also have misconceptions about long-term and short-term care. For instance, some people think skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes are only for the elderly. They might also think that long-term care is only for older adults with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and mobility issues. However, this is not entirely accurate.
A skilled nursing facility is for seniors who require short-term support and rehabilitation services. A nursing home is better suited for seniors who require long-term care and support. Available services at the two facilities can overlap, so it is essential to determine which type of care and support solution best meets your specific needs.
What Is a Skilled Nursing Facility?
A skilled nursing facility is where people receive short-term care and support following a hospital stay or post-surgery. People in these facilities might need help with activities of daily living (ADLs) while they recover. They also receive rehabilitative treatments to help them regain their independence. The primary goal of skilled nursing facilities is to help people recover, so they can return home and resume living independently. Stays are typically 100 days or less.
Medical and Rehabilitation Services Offered
Skilled nursing facilities provide access to a range of medical and rehabilitation services, including:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Medication management
- Wound care
- Joint replacement care
- 24/7 access to registered nurses, healthcare professionals, and medical staff
- Daily activities and social events
- A relaxing, home-like environment
- Prepared meals and snacks
- Extensive medical treatment
Some facilities also allow your primary care physician or surgeon to visit you onsite for follow-up visits, or will provide transportation to your follow-up appointments.
Who Qualifies for Skilled Nursing Care?
Anyone of any age qualifies for skilled nursing care, not just older adults. Younger adults can require skilled nursing care after being in an accident or having a surgical procedure. The objective of skilled nursing care is to help people recover from their injuries or surgical procedures, while providing assistance until they can be discharged and transition to home care, an assisted living facility, or a nursing home.
Medicare, Medicaid, and Insurance Considerations
Most of the skilled nursing services provided are covered by private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid. However, the extent of coverage can and does vary based on the terms of the private insurance policy, or federal or state coverage options for Medicare and Medicaid.
What Is a Nursing Home?
A nursing home is a facility where people receive long-term care and assistance with ADLs, meal preparation, mobility assistance, and other specific care. A nursing home provides access to nursing staff, usually around-the-clock, to be available as needed.
However, physicians, rehab specialists, and other healthcare professionals are usually unavailable onsite. Instead, transportation is provided to see other healthcare professionals.
Nursing homes typically provide the following services:
- Housekeeping
- Meal preparation
- Daily activities and social events
- Planned outings and field trips
- Options between private rooms and shared rooms
- Mobility assistance
- 24/7 personal care assistance
- 24/7 supervision
- Medication management
Is Assisted Living the Same as a Nursing Home?
Some people also use the term assisted living facility instead of a nursing home. However, there are also differences between assisted living and nursing homes. The main difference is at assisted living facilities, residents are pretty much independent and only receive assistance from staff with specific needs, like meal preparation, bathing, or dressing. They also have the most freedom and can come and go as they please. Additionally, some assisted living residents may still drive.
Who Typically Lives in a Nursing Home?
Residents of nursing homes can include:
- Elderly adults who need assistance with ADLs or are unable to live independently
- Individuals with disabilities who do not have family to care for them
- Individuals with cognitive impairments, dementia, and Alzheimer’s
- People with chronic conditions who require care and support but not intensive medical care
- Individuals with mobility issues who need regular assistance
- People who require long-term custodial care
Medicare, Medicaid, and Insurance Considerations
Medicare and private insurance may provide limited coverage for any medical care received while residing at a nursing home. However, it does not typically cover all the costs of long-term care and the non-medical and custodial care services provided.
However, Medicaid can cover the full costs for nursing homes for those people who meet the qualifications and eligibility requirements. So, unless you have Medicaid coverage, you should expect to pay out-of-pocket for living in a nursing home.
Key Differences Between a Skilled Nursing Facility and a Nursing Home
The key differences between skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes are the focus and level of care received. Skilled nursing facilities provide short-term care after surgery or a hospital stay, focusing on rehabilitation and medical treatment needed to recover. Nursing homes provide long-term care focusing on ADLs, custodial care, medication management, and daily activities for people who need support and assistance.
Level of Care: Medical vs. Non-Medical Support
- Skilled nursing facilities focus on post-acute medical and rehabilitative care
- Nursing homes focus on long-term custodial care
Staffing and Medical Expertise
- Skilled nursing facilities provide access to nurses, therapists, rehab technicians, physicians, and other healthcare professionals
- Nursing homes provide access to nurses, including RNs, LPNs, and CNAs — there may be therapists onsite, but not always
Cost and Insurance Coverage
- The costs for skilled nursing facilities and services are usually covered by private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid for stays up to 100 days
- The costs for nursing homes and the services they provide are usually not covered by private insurance or Medicare, except for any medical services provided. Medicaid, however, could cover the entire cost
Length of Stay
- The length of stay at skilled nursing facilities is typically 100 days or fewer
- The length of stay at nursing homes is usually long-term, with most people requiring permanent residency
How To Choose Between a Skilled Nursing Facility and a Nursing Home
When determining whether a skilled nursing facility or nursing home is best for your needs or those of a loved one, it is important to consider their medical and care needs. You also need to determine if it is possible to regain independence after care, or only require minimal support and assistance, where you could continue living at home or at an assisted living facility.
Key Factors To Consider
- Medical needs vs. custodial care: What type of care and medical treatments are required?
- Financial considerations and insurance coverage: Your insurance would cover the care and treatment at a skilled nursing facility, while you may have to pay out of pocket for a nursing home. If you need long-term care in a nursing home, would you qualify for Medicaid?
- Future care planning and facility reputation: What is the reputation of the facility? What type of online reviews do they have? Do they provide the services you need?
Questions To Ask When Researching Facilities
- What type of medical professionals are on staff?
- What rehabilitation services are available?
- How does the facility handle emergencies and ongoing health needs?
- How does the facility handle doctors’ and follow-up appointments?
- What type of activities and socialization does the facility provide residents?
Next Steps and Resources
Deciding between a skilled nursing facility vs. a nursing home depends on the types of care and treatment you or a loved one requires. If you are recovering from an injury-causing accident, hospital stay, or surgery, then skilled nursing is a better option. However, if you need long-term care and support with tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, or you have cognitive problems, disabilities, or mobility issues, then a nursing home could be a better choice.
If you are unsure, it is best to consult with a senior care adviser or healthcare professional. You could also ask your surgeon or primary care physician for their advice.
Additional Resources
- Arizona Attorney General Resources for Seniors
- Arizona Health Care Association
- Arizona Department of Health Services
- National Institute on Aging
- Medicaid
- Medicare
Find Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living in Arizona Today
Finding skilled nursing and assisted living in Arizona is easy when you choose Haven Health. We have facilities located throughout the state to provide the care and services you need. Contact us today for further information, or to start the admissions process.
Sources:
Arizona Attorney General Resources for Seniors
Arizona Department of Health Services