Skilled nursing facilities serve people needing 24-hour care without hospitalization. According to the Merck Medical Library, medically trained staff provides long-term care, with nurses supervising treatments, giving medications and monitoring chronic disorders.
The Facts
Skilled nursing facilities are also called nursing homes. In 2004, there were 16,100 skilled nursing facilities in the U.S. Each state licenses and regulates its own nursing homes.
Types
Some assisted living communities provide skilled nursing care, as do some retirement communities. You may need supplemental insurance to pay for a portion of the skilled medical services offered by these facilities.
Features
At least one doctor oversees medical care in every nursing home. Some nursing homes provide physical therapists, dentists, neurologists or psychiatrists to deal with specific problems.
Financing
Medicare pays for some expenses incurred in Medicare-certified skilled nursing homes. Each state regulates Medicaid eligibility. Contact your local Medicaid office to find out if you qualify.
Considerations
If family and friends can help with your non-medical needs, like shopping and meal preparation, Medicare offers plans that pay for in-home, skilled nursing care.
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