Skilled Nursing Care
What Does Skilled Nursing Care Mean?
Skilled nursing care is a medical service provided under the direct supervision of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN). It typically includes:
- 24/7 supervision
- Administering and managing medications
- Conducting diagnostic tests
- Tube feeding
- Changing bandages and dressings
- Performing minor surgical procedures
Insuranceopedia Explains Skilled Nursing Care
Skilled nursing care is provided to patients in hospitals or nursing care facilities, commonly known as nursing homes. These licensed facilities are regularly inspected and regulated by the State Department of Health Services. For context on who actually uses these facilities, this collection of nursing home population statistics breaks down the demographics by age, sex, and length of stay.
Skilled nursing care can be either short-term or long-term. Short-term care assists patients in recovering from acute conditions, while long-term care supports individuals managing chronic health issues, such as age-related illnesses, Alzheimer’s disease, or other forms of dementia. Families paying for extended stays often look at how their broader financial planning handles ongoing care costs, including whether a relative has life insurance for chronic illnesses that can help cover some of those expenses.