One of the most important things for seniors and their loved ones to understand is the many types of senior living communities that exist to help seniors with the aging process. Two of the most important types of senior living communities for seniors dealing with health issues are skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes. But while these terms are often used interchangeably, they actually refer to two distinct types of care communities. Generally, skilled nursing facilities provide care for more acute and short term medical needs, while nursing homes are designed to provide long-term care for seniors dealing with chronic health conditions. To learn more about the differences between skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes, read our comprehensive guide below or reach out to the Sunbound team for more information. 

Skilled Nursing Facilities: Specialized Care for Short-Term Rehabilitation

Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are designed to provide specialized care for individuals who require short-term rehabilitation after an illness, injury, or surgery. These facilities are often utilized as a transition from a hospital stay to home or another long-term care setting. The primary goal of an SNF is to help patients recover and regain their independence.

Types of Care in Skilled Nursing Facilities

Skilled nursing facilities offer a wide range of medical services and therapies provided by licensed healthcare professionals. The care provided in SNFs is comprehensive and tailored to each individual's specific needs. Some common services found in skilled nursing facilities include:

Physical therapy: Skilled therapists help senior patients regain strength, mobility, and function through exercises and specialized techniques.

Occupational therapy: Occupational therapists assist seniors in developing or relearning skills needed for daily activities like dressing, bathing, and cooking.

Speech therapy: Speech therapists help seniors with speech and swallowing difficulties, as well as cognitive and communication skills.

Wound care: Skilled nursing facilities have expertise in treating and managing wounds to promote healing and prevent infection, particularly in the post-surgical setting.

Intravenous (IV) therapy: When senior patients require medications or fluids delivered directly into their veins, SNFs can provide the necessary care and monitoring.

Medical monitoring: Skilled nursing facilities offer continual monitoring of vital signs and medical equipment to ensure the well-being of their patients.

Duration of Stay in Skilled Nursing Facilities

Unlike nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities are intended for short-term stays. The average length of stay in an SNF is around one month. After receiving the necessary rehabilitation and medical care, seniors typically return home or transition to a long-term care community, such as an assisted living facility.

Nursing Homes: Long-Term Residential Care for Chronic Conditions

Nursing homes, on the other hand, are residential communities that provide long-term care for individuals with chronic conditions. These facilities offer a supportive environment for individuals who are unable to live independently due to medical, cognitive, behavioral, or functional issues.

Types of Care in Nursing Homes

Nursing homes focus on providing custodial care, which includes assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and eating. While nursing homes may have registered nurses on staff, the majority of care is delivered by licensed practical nurses and nurse aides under the supervision of a registered nurse.

In addition to ADL support, nursing home residents may receive assistance with medication management, chronic disease management, and access to healthcare services. However, it's important to note that nursing homes do not offer the same level of specialized medical care as skilled nursing facilities.

Long-Term Residential Care in Nursing Homes

Unlike skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes are designed to provide long-term residential care. Residents in nursing homes often have complex medical needs and require ongoing support and supervision. Nursing homes strive to create a safe, comfortable, and caring environment where individuals can receive the care they need while maintaining a sense of community.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Skilled Nursing Facilities and Nursing Homes

When deciding between a skilled nursing facility and a nursing home, several factors should be taken into consideration. These factors include the individual's specific care needs, the duration and goals of care, and the availability of services in the chosen community.

Care Needs and Goals

Evaluate the specific care needs of your senior loved one. If they require intensive rehabilitation and specialized medical care for a short period of time, a skilled nursing facility may be the best choice. On the other hand, if the individual has chronic conditions that require long-term assistance with daily living, a nursing home may be more appropriate.

Duration of Care

Consider the expected duration of care. Skilled nursing facilities are designed for short-term stays, typically lasting up to a month. If your senior loved one’s care needs are expected to be long-term, a nursing home may be a better fit.

Availability of Services

Assess the availability of services in the chosen community. Skilled nursing facilities offer a wide range of specialized medical services, while nursing homes focus more on custodial care. Consider the specific needs of the individual and ensure that the chosen facility can adequately meet those needs.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

Understand the cost implications and insurance coverage. Medicare Part A covers up to 100 days in a skilled nursing facility after a qualifying hospital stay, but does not cover long-term care in a nursing home. Medicaid or private long-term health insurance may provide coverage for nursing home care. It's important to review insurance policies and explore financial options to ensure affordability.

Skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes are two distinct types of care communities for seniors with different care needs. Skilled nursing facilities provide specialized care for short-term rehabilitation, offering a range of medical services and therapies. Nursing homes, on the other hand, offer long-term residential care for individuals with chronic conditions, focusing on assistance with daily living.

When making a decision between a skilled nursing facility and a nursing home, it's crucial to consider the individual's care needs, the duration of care required, the availability of services, and the cost and insurance coverage. By carefully evaluating these factors, seniors and their loved ones can make an informed decision that best suits their unique situation and ensures the highest quality of care.

To learn more about how Sunbound can help make senior care more affordable for you or your loved one, send us an email at info@sunboundhomes.com or request more information on Sunbound. Sunbound is the best way to pay for senior living and senior care and is on a mission to make senior living affordable for everyone.