A skilled nursing facility (SNF) is a type of facility that provides in-patient rehabilitation and medical treatment for patients who require skilled nursing care. The main difference between a skilled nursing facility and a nursing home is the level of care provided. Skilled nursing care is provided by trained registered nurses in a medical setting under a doctors supervision, while nursing home care is provided mostly by licensed practical nurses and nurse aides under the supervision of a registered nurse and is focused on activities of daily living, like dressing, bathing, and eating.
Patients may go from the hospital to a skilled nursing facility to continue recovering after an illness, injury, or surgery. In addition to skilled nursing, care may include rehabilitative services from licensed physical, occupational, or speech therapists. Skilled nursing facilities provide transitional care, and the goal is to get patients well enough to go home. At skilled nursing facilities, nurses and doctors provide around-the-clock supervision for a variety of reasons, including recovery after surgery, wound care, monitoring of vital signs and medications, IV therapy, respiratory care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, and audiology.
A skilled nursing facility is required by law to provide patients with a written description of their legal rights, which can vary by state. Patients needing post-hospital care in a skilled nursing facility who are enrolled in Medicare are covered for stays of up to 100 days in a Medicare-certified skilled nursing facility if the patient meets Medicares requirements.
