Care guide

Nursing Homes

A skilled nursing facility (SNF, often called a nursing home) provides 24-hour licensed medical care and rehabilitation for seniors with serious health conditions.

Skilled nursing is the highest level of senior care outside a hospital. Residents have complex medical needs that can't be safely managed in assisted living or at home - recent strokes, advanced Parkinson's, severe dementia with medical comorbidities, IV therapy, ventilator support, or rehabilitation after a hospital discharge. CMS rates every Medicare-certified nursing home; quality varies enormously.

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Who nursing homes is for

Skilled nursing fits seniors who need 24-hour licensed medical care, short-term rehabilitation after a hospital stay, or active treatment for conditions assisted living can't safely manage. It is not the right level of care for someone who's mostly independent - that's assisted living or independent living. Many families use skilled nursing only as a final stage, or for short-term rehab.

Typical cost

$7,500 - $11,000 per month (US, 2026, semi-private room)

Skilled nursing is the most expensive senior-care setting. Medicare pays for short-term skilled nursing (up to 100 days) after a qualifying hospital stay, with cost-sharing after day 20. Long-term stays are usually paid by Medicaid, long-term care insurance, or private pay; most long-stay residents end up on Medicaid after spending down their savings.