All You Need to Know About Skilled Nursing Facility vs Nursing Home

Introduction

You might be confused between skilled nursing facility vs nursing home. Let us make it clear to you. The key distinction is that a skilled nursing facility is a short-term home for patients receiving medically required rehabilitation treatment, but a nursing home is more of a permanent resident for those in need of round-the-clock care. Therefore, below, we’ll go into greater detail about this.

What is a Skilled Nursing Facility?

A skilled nursing facility is a healthcare facility providing specialized medical care and rehabilitation services. These facilities cater to individuals recovering from surgeries, injuries, or serious illnesses. For example, patients requiring physical therapy, occupational therapy, or wound care benefit greatly from skilled nursing. There are more than 16,700 skilled nursing facility in the US as per February 2024 report.

Additionally, skilled nursing facilities are staffed with licensed nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals. They work closely with physicians to ensure patients receive the best care possible. If you’re wondering what is a skilled nursing facility, think of it as a short-term solution focused on medical rehabilitation.

What is a Nursing Home?

A nursing home, on the other hand, focuses on long-term care for individuals who need assistance with daily living. Unlike skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes provide custodial care rather than intensive medical treatment.

Furthermore, examples of nursing home services include help with bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility. Residents often stay for extended periods, making these facilities ideal for elderly individuals with chronic conditions. Understanding what is a nursing home will help families decide if their loved one needs long-term support.

Key Differences Between Skilled Nursing Facility and Nursing Home

The difference between skilled nursing facility and nursing home lies in their level of care, services, and duration of stay.

Level of Care

Skilled nursing facilities offer intensive medical care, while nursing homes focus on assistance with daily living tasks.

Services Provided

A skilled nursing facility provides services like IV therapy, medication management, and physical therapy. Nursing homes, however, focus on activities like meal preparation, hygiene, and social engagement.

Duration of Stay

Skilled nursing facilities are often used for short-term recovery. Nursing homes, conversely, cater to long-term residents.

Staffing Requirements

Skilled nursing facilities employ licensed nurses and therapists. Nursing homes primarily rely on caregivers and support staff. Moreover, there are multiple benefits to pursuing a career as a nursing professional. So, don’t wait and head onto expert staffing solutions to start your career as a nursing professional.

Skilled Nursing Care: The Essential Features

Nursing care refers to specialized medical services that trained professionals provide. These services are necessary for individuals recovering from serious health conditions.

Common examples of skilled care include:

• Wound care management.
• Intravenous (IV) therapy.
• Physical and occupational therapy.
• Pain management.

Additionally, patients often receive this care in a skilled nursing facility, where they benefit from advanced equipment and professional oversight. Nursing care plays a central role in rehabilitation and improving patient outcomes.

Skilled Nursing Home Care- What is Nursing Home?

Did you know that skilled nursing services are sometimes available in nursing homes? This combination is called skilled nursing home care. It caters to residents who require long-term care but also need occasional medical intervention.

Furthermore, an example would be a nursing home resident recovering from surgery may receive physical therapy or wound care. This blend of services makes skilled nursing home care a versatile option for families.