Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Facilities

Skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities (SNFs) are designed to observe, manage and provide daily care under the direction of a physician.  In addition, Medicare requires inpatient hospital stay of 3 consecutive days (3 midnights) or more to be considered.   Skilled care can be found in either a nursing home or a hospital that meet Federal health and safety requirements.  Medicare certifies that these facilities are equipment to give skilled nursing care and/or skilled rehabilitation services, and other related health services. 

The goal of skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities is to rehabilitate and return patients back to a safe, home-like environment whether this may be a residential home or assisted living facility (ALF).   Skilled nursing and rehabilitation staff includes registered nurses, licensed practical and vocational nurses, physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists.  Physicians in the community may have privilege to follow patients at the facility or a physician will be assigned to manage the care of a patient during the rehabilitation stay.   

Medicare covers certain skilled care services that are needed on a daily level up to 100 days.   If you believe you or a loved one may benefit from skilled nursing and rehabilitation services it may be best to request an assessment evaluation be conducted during hospitalization for consideration.

(Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Facilities related terms: Nursing Homes, SNFs, Convalescent Homes, Convalescent Centers, Assisted Living Facilities, Retirement Homes, Long Term Care Facility/Facilities and Outpatient Rehabilitation Centers.)