A skilled nursing facility (SNF), also known as a nursing home or a long-term care facility, is a residential healthcare institution that provides 24-hour nursing care and rehabilitation services to individuals who require ongoing medical supervision and assistance. Skilled nursing facilities cater to individuals who have complex medical conditions, disabilities, or functional limitations that prevent them from living independently or receiving adequate care at home.

A Long Term Care Facility is normally the highest level of care for older adults outside of a hospital. Skilled nursing facilities provide what is called custodial care, providing help getting in and out of bed, and assistance with feeding, bathing, and dressing.

However, nursing homes differ from other senior housing facilities in that they also provide a high level of medical care. A licensed physician supervises each patient’s care and a nurse or other medical professional is almost always on the premises.

Skilled nursing care is available on site, usually 24 hours a day. Other medical professionals, such as occupational or physical therapists, are also available. This allows the delivery of medical procedures and therapies on site that would not be possible in other housing.