Short answer: Yes, there is a difference. A nursing home provides general custodial care and assistance with daily living, while a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) offers medical care and rehabilitation services delivered by licensed professionals, often after hospitalization.
Long Answer
Key Differences Between Nursing Homes and Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs)
Though the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there are important distinctions:
1. Level of Medical Care
Focuses on custodial care: help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility.
May have limited medical supervision (e.g., nurse aides, some RNs).
Suited for long-term stays for elderly or disabled individuals who don’t need intensive medical care.
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Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF):
Provides short-term medical care and rehabilitation after injury, surgery, or illness.
Services include physical therapy, wound care, IV therapy, and more — delivered by licensed nurses and therapists.
Overseen by doctors and often used for post-hospital recovery.
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2. Licensing and Regulation
Both are regulated by state and federal agencies.
SNFs must meet Medicare and Medicaid certification standards for skilled care.
3. Insurance and Payment
SNFs are often covered by Medicare for a limited time after a hospital stay (typically up to 100 days).
Nursing homes are typically not covered by Medicare for long-term custodial care, though Medicaid may assist based on financial eligibility.
4. Length of Stay
SNF: Short-term, transitional care. A few examples of skilled nursing facilities:
Nursing Home: Long-term or permanent residence. A few examples of nursing homes:
Summary
While both facilities provide care for individuals who can't live independently, a Skilled Nursing Facility offers clinical, rehabilitative care, whereas a nursing home emphasizes non-medical, daily living support. Understanding the distinction is important for choosing the right level of care and determining what services insurance will cover.