Skilled Nursing 

Skilled Nursing

Skilled nursing facilities, also called nursing homes, are best for those with physical or mental health conditions requiring full-time monitoring and medical care.  Nursing homes that also offer rehabilitation services for those who need short-term, fulltime care are also considered "rehabilitation facilities.” Most skilled nursing residents live in semi-private rooms, and meals are usually provided. 

Skilled nursing care requires the involvement of skilled nursing staff - registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) - in order that medical care is given safely and effectively. Care that can be given by non-professional staff is not considered skilled nursing care. The goal of skilled nursing care is to help improve the patient's condition or to maintain the patient's condition and prevent it from getting worse.

Custodial care helps people with usual daily activities like walking, eating, or bathing. It may also include care that most people do themselves, like using eye drops, oxygen, and taking care of colostomy or bladder catheters.

These facilities are licensed by the state to provide 24-hour nursing care, room and board, and activities for convalescent residents and those with chronic and/or long-term care illnesses. The next step in the care continuum would be hospital acute care. Regular medical supervision and rehabilitation therapy are mandated to be available, and nursing homes are eligible to participate in the Medicaid long-term care program.