The Role of Skilled Nursing in Long-Term Care Facilities

April 1, 2025

Exploring the Critical Functions of Skilled Nursing Facilities

Understanding Skilled Nursing Care

In recent years, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) have become integral to the landscape of long-term care, offering specialized medical and rehabilitative services to individuals recovering from illness or surgery. With the number of adults aged 65 and older projected to soar, the demand for such comprehensive care is set to rise. This article delves into the roles, services, and challenges faced by SNFs, elucidating their impact on patient outcomes and healthcare systems.

A Goal-Oriented Approach to Skilled Nursing Care

Exploring Skilled Nursing Facilities and Their Goals

What is the goal of a skilled nursing facility?

The main goal of a skilled nursing facility (SNF) is to provide both short- and long-term skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services to patients recovering from illness, injury, or surgery. These facilities assist individuals in regaining their independence through support with essential activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, and mobility.

Purpose and functions of SNFs

Skilled nursing facilities employ a diverse range of healthcare professionals—such as registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and therapists—to deliver specialized medical care. This includes managing medications, performing wound care, and overseeing rehabilitation programs tailored to each patient's needs. SNFs are critical in post-discharge care, as they help prevent complications and reduce hospital readmissions.

Core services offered

Services at SNFs extend beyond basic assistance. Key offerings include:

Medical Care: Continuous monitoring and administration of medications.
Rehabilitative Services: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy aimed at recovery and functionality.
Individualized Care Plans: Personalized approaches to address unique health and mobility requirements.
Emotional Support: Activities that foster social interaction and combat loneliness, enhancing patient quality of life.

Healthcare outcomes

The structure of care within SNFs is designed to improve overall patient outcomes and satisfaction. By focusing on individualized rehabilitation and comprehensive medical support, these facilities facilitate a smoother transition back to home or a lower level of care, maintaining patients' quality of life and promoting independence.

Understanding 'SNF' in the Context of Long-Term Care

Understanding SNF: Essential Care After Hospitalization

What does SNF mean in long-term care?

SNF stands for Skilled Nursing Facility. These facilities provide specialized nursing care and rehabilitation services for individuals recovering from hospitalization due to an illness or injury. Patients in SNFs receive around-the-clock medical support, often after surgeries or serious health events, ensuring comprehensive care that promotes recovery and independence.

What about Medicare coverage for SNFs?

Medicare Part A covers skilled nursing facility care under specific conditions. These include:

Qualifying Hospital Stay: Patients must have an inpatient hospital stay of at least three days.
Need for Skilled Services: The care in the SNF must be related to the reason for the hospital stay.

Coverage in an SNF is limited to 100 days per benefit period. The first 20 days generally require no copayment, while the days from 21 to 100 involve a daily coinsurance charge.

What's the difference between SNF and custodial care?

A key distinction lies in the nature of care provided. Medicare does not cover custodial care, which focuses on personal assistance with daily activities for individuals not needing skilled nursing services. In contrast, care in SNFs is intensive and rehabilitation-focused. To qualify for Medicare coverage, patients must be in a Medicare-certified SNF, emphasizing the specialized role that these facilities play in long-term care.

Distinguishing Between SNFs and Long-Term Care Facilities

Key Differences Between SNFs and Long-Term Care Facilities

What are the differences between a skilled nursing facility and a long-term care facility?

Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and long-term care facilities serve different needs within the healthcare spectrum, especially as the population ages. SNFs offer a higher level of medical care and rehabilitation for individuals recovering post-hospitalization. These facilities provide 24/7 medical support from licensed professionals, including registered nurses and certified nursing assistants, which allows them to deliver intensive services like physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy under medical supervision.

In contrast, long-term care facilities, commonly known as nursing homes, focus primarily on custodial care. They assist residents with activities of daily living—such as bathing, dressing, and eating—catering to individuals who need constant support due to chronic conditions or disabilities. These residents typically stay for the remainder of their lives in such settings.

Criteria	Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs)	Long-Term Care Facilities
Duration of Stay	Short-term (averaging around 100 days)	Long-term (often for life)
Level of Care	High-level medical care and rehabilitation	Custodial care and daily living assistance
Staff	24/7 trained medical personnel	Trained staff providing basic support
Key Services	Physical, occupational, and speech therapy; medication management	Meals, supervision, assistance with daily activities
Medicare Coverage	Covers short-term stays; rehabilitation services	Generally does not cover long-term custodial care

Overall, while SNFs prioritize medical care and recovery processes, long-term care facilities focus on helping residents maintain a quality life through constant support.

The Unsung Heroes: Nurses in Skilled Nursing

Celebrating the Vital Role of Nurses in SNFs

What is the role of a skilled nursing facility nurse?

The Skilled Nursing Facility Nurse (RN) plays a crucial role in delivering care to residents. They are responsible for assessing, planning, providing, and documenting both direct and indirect nursing care according to the physician's plans. This includes comprehensive health evaluations and the administration of medications. Skilled nurses also manage chronic conditions and provide education to residents and their families about health management.

What are the roles and responsibilities of nursing staff?

Nursing staff within skilled nursing facilities are integral to the overall care team. Their responsibilities include:

Monitoring Vital Signs: Regular assessments help track residents' health and identify potential complications early.
Care Plan Development: Skilled nurses collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to design personalized care plans tailored to each resident's needs.
Emotional Support: Beyond physical health, nurses provide emotional support, fostering a sense of belonging among residents.

What is the multidisciplinary approach?

The care model in skilled nursing facilities is inherently multidisciplinary. Key components include:

Collaboration with Specialists: Nurses work closely with physical, occupational, and speech therapists to optimize rehabilitation.
Team of Professionals: Other essential team members include licensed practical nurses (LPNs), certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and rehabilitation technicians, all under the supervision of a clinical coordinator.
Holistic Care: This approach ensures all aspects of health—medical, psychological, and social—are addressed, fostering a well-rounded recovery experience for residents.

As the demand for skilled nursing services increases, the dedication and expertise of nursing staff remain vital in ensuring high-quality care and improved patient outcomes.

Overcoming Workforce Challenges During COVID-19

Addressing the Workforce Crisis in Skilled Nursing Facilities

What are the workforce challenges faced by skilled nursing facilities due to COVID-19?

Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) have encountered immense workforce challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the most pressing issues is the widespread staff shortages, which have led to increased turnover intentions among nursing and support staff. Many employees reported feelings of burnout and emotional exhaustion due to heightened workloads and the stresses associated with caring for vulnerable populations during this crisis.

Concerns about personal safety while working in potentially hazardous environments contributed significantly to the emotional strain on staff. Consequently, a noteworthy exit of registered nurses (RNs) has occurred, highlighting an urgent need for effective recruitment and retention strategies. A staggering 94% of nursing homes reported difficulties in attracting new employees, forcing many facilities to limit admissions or, in some cases, face closure due to labor shortages.

As the pandemic unfolded, systemic issues within the healthcare sector became starkly apparent, worsening pre-existing staffing challenges across SNFs. This workforce crisis is crucial not only for healthcare professionals but also for maintaining the quality of care needed for residents.

Strategies to address workforce shortages

To combat workforce shortages, skilled nursing facilities must implement innovative strategies. These may include offering competitive wages and benefits, enhancing staffing conditions, and providing support mechanisms to help staff manage stress. Collaboration with local educational institutions to foster a pipeline of incoming healthcare professionals can also mitigate future shortages. Additionally, offering retention bonuses and professional development opportunities may improve job satisfaction and encourage staff to remain in their positions.

Financial and operational pressures on SNFs

Financially, SNFs are under immense pressure, with rising operational costs linked to increased staffing needs. Wage increases necessary to attract and retain staff can strain budgets, making it difficult for many facilities to maintain optimal staffing levels. Without a sustainable workforce, the ability to provide consistent and high-quality care may be compromised, leading to further challenges for the industry as it seeks to navigate the post-COVID landscape.

The Future of Skilled Nursing in Long-Term Care

As we look toward the future of healthcare, the role of skilled nursing facilities is more vital than ever. These institutions are not only pivotal in managing post-acute care but also in enhancing the quality of life for residents through comprehensive, patient-centered approaches. Despite the challenges posed by workforce shortages and financial pressures, SNFs remain steadfast in their commitment to providing high-quality care. The rising demand, powered by an aging population, underscores the need for robust policy support and innovative solutions to safeguard the invaluable services these facilities provide.