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What is Long-Term Care/Skilled Nursing?
Long-term care skilled nursing communities offer a combination of medical care, personal assistance, and supportive services for individuals who need ongoing help with daily living activities.
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Key Takeaways
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Long-term care/ skilled nursing communities offer a combination of medical care, personal assistance, and supportive services.
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The national average cost for a long-term care/skilled nursing semi-private room is $8,669/month and $9,733/month for a private room.
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Find nearly 16,000 long-term care/skilled nursing communities on Senior Care Finder!
What is Long-Term Care/Skilled Nursing?
Long-term care/skilled nursing, often referred to as a "nursing home," provides a higher level of support and medical care than assisted living. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are licensed to provide around-the-clock medical care, encompassing both long-term care and short-term rehabilitation. This makes them the highest level of care available outside of a hospital setting. Long-term care/skilled nursing communities offer a combination of medical care, personal assistance, and supportive services for individuals who need ongoing help with daily living activities.
When is it Time For Skilled Nursing/Long-Term Care?
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
How Much Does Skilled Nursing/Long-Term Care Cost?
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.
Skilled Nursing/Long-Term Care Services
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.
Skilled Nursing/Long-Term Care Amenities
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.
Choosing the Right Level of Care
Choosing the right level of care for yourself or a loved one can be a tricky decision. It's important to consider not only current needs, but also the potential for future changes. This guide will help you navigate the different senior living and care options available. Review the summaries below, or click on the links for a more detailed explanation of each type.
- Independent Living: For active seniors who can manage daily tasks (bathing, dressing, etc.) and seek an amenity-rich community. Level of care: None
- Home Care (Non-Medical): Provides support with daily tasks for those who want to remain in their home. Level of care: Moderate support, no medical care
- Assisted Living: Provides moderate support with daily tasks for those who still value independence. Level of care: Moderate support, no medical care
- Memory Care: Secure environments specializing in memory loss care, with trained staff and activities. Level of care: Moderate
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Long-Term Care/Skilled Nursing: Offers 24/7 medical care and supervision for complex medical needs. Level of care: High
Find a Skilled Nursing/Long-Term Care Community
Think long-term care is right for your or a loved one? Explore all your options at Senior Care Finder. We are committed to providing a nationwide list of long-term care/skilled nursing communities. View patient ratings, room types, amenities and services offered, all with a quick search.