What is Long-Term Care/Skilled Nursing?

The decision to move to a long-term care/skilled nursing community can be difficult and overwhelming. Contrary to some beliefs, a person can still maintain their independence in a long-term care facility with the help from family and friends. Many skilled nursing communities now look and feel much more like home, rather than the traditional 'nursing homes' of the past. A long-term care community may be right if you or your loved one could benefit from the following. 

• Ongoing medical treatment or around-the-clock care due to a complex medical condition.
• Rehabilitation services
• Support with daily activities or medication

The cost of long-term care/skilled nursing can vary depending on the location, amenities offered, and the level of care required. It's generally more expensive than assisted living. Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) may cover care in a certified skilled nursing facility if it’s medically necessary to receive skilled care. This can include a short-term nursing stay following a hospitalization. Medicaid may cover long-term nursing home stays, and home- or community-based services.

According to Genworth's 2023 National Cost of Care study, private rooms cost an average of $9,733/month and semi-private rooms cost an average of $8,669/month. Be sure to inquire about pricing with the community you're interested in to ensure you understand the costs.

Long-term care/skilled nursing communities offer a wide range of services and amenities to cater to resident's needs. Below are a list of services traditionally provided in a long-term care/skilled nursing community. 

• Skilled nursing care: Medical care or medication administration done by licensed professionals, such as nurses and therapists.
• Assistance with daily living activities: Bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and medication management.
• Therapy services: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy may be available to help residents regain or maintain independence.

In addition to these services, residents can also enjoy countless amenities at a long-term care/skilled nursing community. Many amenities vary based upon location (use our compare feature to see what each community offers). 

• Meal preparation or restaurant-style dining: Meals are prepared by a dietician and can accommodate special dietary needs.
• Social activities: Planned activities and events to promote socialization and mental stimulation.
• Housekeeping and laundry services: Freeing residents from household chores.
• Security and emergency response systems: Providing peace of mind for residents and families.
• Beauty salon: Operated by hairstylists and aestheticians who provide grooming services such as haircuts, nail care, and other beauty treatments to residents.
• Transportation services: depending on the community, they may offer transportation to doctors' appointments, or to neighborhood destinations like the grocery store or church.