Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) provide short-term medical care and rehabilitation for seniors recovering from illnesses, injuries, or surgeries. These facilities are often the next step after a hospital stay when it’s not yet safe to return home.

What Is a Skilled Nursing Facility?

A skilled nursing facility is a licensed residential center that offers 24/7 nursing care along with physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Care is provided under the supervision of medical professionals and tailored to help older adults regain strength and function.

When to Consider Skilled Nursing

• Following a hospital stay for surgery, stroke, or serious illness
• When daily medical supervision or rehabilitation is needed
• If home is not yet safe due to mobility or care needs
• When recovery goals can be met with short-term nursing and therapy support

Services Provided in Skilled Nursing Facilities

• 24/7 Nursing Care: Medication management, wound care, injections, and monitoring
• Physical Therapy: Rebuild strength, balance, and mobility
• Occupational Therapy: Improve the ability to perform daily tasks
• Speech Therapy: Assist with swallowing, cognition, or speech after illness or stroke
• Discharge Planning: Coordinated transition to home or other long-term care

Medicare Coverage for Skilled Nursing

• Initial Coverage: Medicare typically covers up to 20 days at 100% after a qualifying 3-day hospital stay
• Days 21–100: Daily coinsurance applies (check 2025 rates)
• Beyond Day 100: Costs are typically out-of-pocket unless covered by Medigap or other insurance
• New Benefit Period: Begins after 60 days without SNF or hospital care

Skilled Nursing vs. Nursing Home vs. Inpatient Rehab

• Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF): Short-term, post-hospital care with therapy and nursing
• Nursing Home (Custodial Care): Long-term housing and personal care—not always medically focused
• Inpatient Rehab Hospital: Intensive rehabilitation with higher therapy intensity, often for more complex cases

Need Help Finding a Skilled Nursing Facility?

LumaLink provides immediate, personalized support to help you understand Medicare coverage, compare skilled nursing options, and plan next steps after a hospital discharge.

Chat with Luma now via voice call or text chat for tailored SNF recommendations, discharge planning guidance, and connections to trusted eldercare resources.

Recover with the care you need. Chat with Luma today.

Disclaimer: LumaLink is not a pharmacist, doctor, therapist, or medical provider. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional or discharge planner to determine medical needs and eligibility for skilled nursing care.