Skilled Nursing Facility
Skilled Nursing Facility
Short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing care to help you recover and return home safely
What is a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)?
A SNF provides short-term rehabilitation and medical care for people who need more intensive care than can be provided at home, but don't need to stay in the hospital.
Requirements:
- Have a 3-day qualifying hospital stay
- Need skilled nursing or rehabilitation services daily
- Have a doctor's order for SNF care
- Admit within 30 days of hospital discharge
Key Features:
- Provides skilled nursing and rehabilitation care in a 24/7 facility
- About 45min of PT and OT 5-6 days/week and other therapies when needed
- Average length of stay is 14-40 days depending on strength of patient and potential for rehabilitation
- Goal is to return home safely
Who Needs Skilled Nursing Facility Care?
Common Reasons for SNF:
- Recovery from surgery (i.e. hip, knee replacement)
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Recovery after heart attack
- Serious illness or infection
- Fall with injury
- Need for IV medications
Services Provided
Medical Services
- Nursing care with RNs and LPNs on staff
- Physician services available when needed
- Medication management, administration and monitoring
- Wound care with specialized dressing and treatment
- IV therapy including antibiotics, nutrition, and hydration
Rehabilitation Services
- Physical therapy for strength and mobility
- Occupational therapy for daily living skills
- Speech therapy for communication and swallowing
- Respiratory therapy with breathing treatments
Additional Services
- Nutritional services and meal planning
- Recreational therapy including social and cognitive activities
- Social work and discharge planning
- Personal care assistance
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Family education and support
- Spiritual care services
The Skilled Nursing Facility Team
Medical Director
Physician who oversees medical care in the facility
Registered Nurses (RNs)
Provides skilled nursing care and coordinate treatment
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
Assists with nursing care and medication administration
Physical Therapist
Helps improve strength, mobility, and function
Occupational Therapist
Focuses on daily living skills and independence
Speech Therapist
Addresses communication and swallowing issues
Social Worker
Helps with discharge planning and family support
Certified Nursing Assistants
Provide personal care and daily assistance
Length of Stay
Typical Stay Length
- Average stay: 14-40 days
- Can range from 1 week to 100 days
- Depends on your condition and progress
- Medicare covers up to 100 days per benefit period
Factors Affecting Length
- Type and severity of condition
- Your progress in therapy
- Home safety and support available
- Insurance coverage limits
- Medical stability
Insurance and Cost
Medicare Coverage
- Days 1-20: Medicare pays 100% (after you pay your deductible for the benefit period)
- Days 21-100: You pay coinsurance (about $209/day in 2025)
- After 100 days: You pay all costs
- Must meet 3-day hospital stay requirement
- Must need skilled care daily
Other Insurance
- Medigap may cover coinsurance
- Most commercial insurance covers SNF. but there may be more restrictions than with Medicare
- Medicaid for those who qualify
- Veterans may have VA benefits
What's Covered
- Room and board
- Skilled nursing care
- Rehabilitation therapy
- Medications and medical supplies
- Medical equipment
Choosing a Skilled Nursing Facility
What to Look For
- Medicare certification and good ratings
- Experienced therapy staff
- Clean, well-maintained facility
- Good nurse-to-patient ratios
- Positive reviews from families
- Convenient location for family visits
Questions to Ask
- What are your therapy hours and frequency?
- What is your average length of stay?
- What percentage of patients return home?
- How do you communicate with families?
- What are your visiting hours?
- Do you accept my insurance?
Resources for Research
- Medicare Nursing Home Compare website
- State health department ratings
- Hospital discharge planners
- Online reviews and recommendations
- Personal visits to facilities
Planning for Discharge
Discharge Planning Starts Early
- Assessment of home environment and safety
- Evaluation of family support and resources
- Coordination of follow-up medical care
- Arrangement of home health services if needed
- Equipment needs assessment
- Medication education and management
Goals for Discharge
- Safe mobility and transfers
- Independence in daily activities
- Stable medical condition
- Safe home environment
- Adequate support system
- Understanding of ongoing care needs