Skilled nursing care is 24/7 medical care for those recovering from surgery, managing a chronic illness, or in need of extra support with healthcare needs. It’s for patients who require continuous monitoring and treatment. This can be short-term care or long-term for patients with ongoing needs.
To qualify for skilled nursing care, you must require medical attention from licensed medical professionals on a continuous basis; a doctor will prescribe this treatment if needed. Patients often qualify if they struggle with daily tasks, for example, those who need rehabilitation after surgery.
The services provided vary depending on the skilled nursing facility; however, they typically include rehabilitation services, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapies. You can find a full list and breakdown of our services here.
The main difference between skilled nursing and assisted living is the level of care. Skilled nursing facilities provide 24/7 medical care. Assisted living facilities provide help with everyday tasks, such as bathing or cooking, but do not provide constant medical supervision.
The biggest difference between skilled nursing and home health care is who delivers the care. In a skilled nursing facility, a licensed medical professional administers 24/7 care. In a home health care setting, medical and non-medical support is given; a licensed professional is not required to provide this care.
A resident’s length of stay in a skilled nursing facility is determined by their condition and insurance coverage. The average stay at a Ciena Healthcare facility is six months, but the length of stay depends on the rehabilitation needed.