Types of care
Nursing home
A nursing home is a residential facility that provides round-the-clock supervision, nursing care, meals, help with daily activities, and often rehabilitation. It is for people with greater medical needs than assisted living covers. Medicare pays only for limited skilled stays, not for long-term custodial care.
Why it matters for your family
Nursing homes serve two groups. Some people stay a short time to recover after a hospital stay. Others live there long term because they need constant help. Families often think Medicare will pay for the long stay. It does not. Medicare covers skilled nursing facility care only in set situations, and most long-term nursing home care is custodial. Medicaid may pay for eligible people with limited income and assets. Visit before deciding, ask about staffing, and compare facilities on Medicare's official comparison tool. Some families use home care to delay or avoid a move.
Source: nia.nih.gov
Related terms
- Skilled nursing facility (SNF)A skilled nursing facility (SNF) is a Medicare-certified facility that provides nursing and therapy that only professionals can safely give.
- Assisted livingAssisted living is a residential setting for people who need help with daily tasks but not the full medical care of a nursing home.
- Custodial careCustodial care is non-medical help with daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and using the toilet.
- MedicaidMedicaid is a joint federal and state health coverage program for people with limited income and resources.
- Medicare Part AMedicare Part A is hospital insurance.
- Long-term care ombudsmanA long-term care ombudsman is an advocate who works to resolve problems about the health, safety, welfare and rights of people in long-term care facilities.
