Nursing Facility

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about a nursing facility.

What is a nursing facility?

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A nursing facility, sometimes called a nursing home, provides 24-hour care for individuals who need a higher level of medical, nursing, or personal support. Nursing facilities may provide short-term rehabilitation following a hospitalization as well as long-term care for people who need ongoing assistance with daily activities and health needs.

Who is a nursing facility appropriate for?

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A nursing facility may be appropriate when an individual has significant medical or personal care needs that can no longer be safely managed at home or in a less intensive care setting. This may include people who need extensive assistance with daily activities, ongoing nursing oversight, rehabilitation, medication management, or other complex care.

What is the difference between a nursing facility and assisted living?

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Assisted living generally focuses on housing, personal care, meals, medication assistance, and support with daily activities while promoting independence. Nursing facilities typically provide a higher level of nursing and medical support and may be appropriate for individuals with more complex health or mobility needs.

What is the difference between a nursing facility and skilled nursing?

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“Skilled nursing” generally refers to care that must be performed or supervised by licensed clinical professionals, such as nursing care or rehabilitation therapy. A nursing facility may provide both short-term skilled nursing and long-term custodial care. Medicare coverage rules differ depending on the type and duration of care.

Does Medicare pay for nursing facility care?

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Medicare generally does not pay for long-term custodial nursing home care. Medicare Part A may cover eligible short-term skilled nursing facility care following a qualifying hospital stay and when other requirements are met. Medicaid, long-term care insurance, private funds, and other programs may help pay for longer-term care depending on eligibility.

How long can someone stay in a nursing facility?

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It depends on the person's needs. Some people stay temporarily for rehabilitation after an illness, injury, or hospitalization, while others live in a nursing facility long term because they require ongoing care and assistance.

What services do nursing facilities provide?

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Services vary but may include 24-hour nursing support, assistance with daily activities, medication management, meals, rehabilitation therapies, social activities, and care planning. The specific services available vary by facility and resident needs.

How do I choose the right nursing facility?

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Consider staffing, quality measures, cleanliness, location, available services, rehabilitation programs, activities, communication with families, and whether the facility can safely meet your loved one's specific needs. Visiting potential facilities and asking detailed questions can be an important part of the decision.