Also Known As:
Long-term care facility, nursing home, skilled care facility
Type:
Medical care setting with licensed nursing staff and support services available on-site
Primary Purpose:
Provide ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and daily living support for individuals who require skilled nursing or cannot safely remain at home
When It Applies:
When a patient needs a higher level of care than can be provided at home, or when long-term care and medical supervision are required
Who Is Involved:
Facility nurses, nursing assistants, physicians, hospice team members, social workers, therapists, patients, and family members
Where It Occurs:
In a licensed skilled nursing facility (SNF) or nursing home
Visit Frequency:
Hospice team members visit regularly while coordinating care with the facility’s staff; frequency depends on the patient’s needs and care plan
Coverage:
Hospice services provided in a SNF are typically covered under Medicare Hospice Benefit, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans (facility room and board may be billed separately depending on coverage)
Key Focus:
Coordinated care, symptom management, comfort, and support through collaboration between hospice and facility staff
Common Misunderstanding:
Hospice care in a skilled nursing facility does not replace the facility’s staff—it works alongside them to enhance comfort-focused care and support the patient’s overall needs
What Is a Skilled Nursing Facility Used For?
A skilled nursing facility provides 24-hour care for individuals who need medical supervision, rehabilitation services, or assistance with daily activities. It is often chosen when living at home is no longer safe or practical.
How Does Hospice Work in a Skilled Nursing Facility?
When a patient on hospice resides in a SNF, the hospice team collaborates with the facility’s staff to manage care. The facility handles day-to-day medical and personal care, while the hospice team focuses on comfort, symptom management, and additional support services.
What Services Are Provided to Patients in a SNF?
Care in a skilled nursing facility may include:
- 24-hour nursing supervision
- Medication administration and monitoring
- Assistance with bathing, dressing, and meals
- Physical, occupational, or speech therapy (if appropriate)
- Hospice services such as symptom management, emotional support, and care planning
The hospice team and facility staff work together to ensure the patient’s needs are consistently addressed.