Nursing Homes (Skilled Nursing) in the United States
Nursing homes—also called skilled nursing facilities—provide 24/7 clinical oversight, licensed nursing, and rehabilitation services for residents who need a higher level of medical support than assisted living can offer. These communities serve people with complex conditions, long‑term care needs, or short‑term rehab after a hospital stay. This guide outlines what nursing homes provide, how coverage and costs work, and what to evaluate when comparing facilities.
Clinical Care and Services
- Round‑the‑clock nursing and access to on‑call physicians
- Post‑acute rehabilitation (physical, occupational, speech therapy)
- Medication administration, wound care, IV therapy, and monitoring
- Care planning with interdisciplinary teams and family conferences
- Assistance with ADLs, meals, and housekeeping
- Safety systems, infection‑control protocols, and specialized equipment
Coverage and Costs
Short‑term skilled nursing or rehab may be covered by Medicare after a qualifying hospital stay, subject to program rules and limits. Long‑term custodial care is typically private‑pay or supported by Medicaid based on state eligibility. Out‑of‑pocket costs depend on room type, therapy frequency, and clinical complexity. Ask for a clear explanation of what is covered, what is billed separately, and how rates change if care needs increase.
How to Evaluate a Nursing Home
- Inspect licensure status, survey results, and quality measures
- Review staffing levels, training, and continuity (weekends and nights)
- Assess rehab intensity, care plan goals, and discharge planning
- Observe resident dignity, call‑light response times, and cleanliness
- Confirm policies for infections, falls, and hospital transfers
When Nursing Homes Make Sense
Choose a nursing home when clinical stability, skilled therapies, or complex medication management are the top priorities. If your loved one needs continuous nursing assessment or specialized treatment, a skilled setting provides the structure and safety required. Use SeniorLivingAtlas to locate licensed facilities near you and request information or a tour.
- 24/7 skilled nursing care and medical supervision
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Medication administration and management
- Wound care and chronic disease management
- Rehabilitation services after hospital stays
- Nutritional support and specialized diets
- Social services and discharge planning
- End-of-life and hospice care coordination
- Semi-private and private rooms available
- Dining rooms with therapeutic diets
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation gyms
- Activity rooms for recreational therapy
- Outdoor courtyards and garden areas
- Chapel or meditation spaces
- Family visiting areas and lounges
- On-site medical equipment and supplies