Skilled Nursing Facility vs. Nursing Homes

It’s common to use the expressions “nursing facility” and “skilled nurse facility” interchangeably. They are two separate facilities. While nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities may sound similar, there are fundamental differences between them, including their level of medical treatment. Students can learn more about them in Illinois College of Nursing tuition.

Nursing homes provide long-term care for people with chronic illnesses, while skilled nursing facilities offer rehabilitation and treatment.

Duration of Stay is The Deciding Factor

The length of time a person must stay in a facility will make the decision if they are going to a nursing facility. Nursing homes are usually occupied for longer periods of time than skilled nursing facilities. Many older adults live in nursing homes permanently. Most people who are in nursing homes tend to only stay for a short time before moving back home or into long-term care.

According to the National Care Planning Council (NCPC), people who enter nursing homes stay on average for more than two years. The average length of stay at a well know nursing facility ranges from a few weeks to a couple of months.

Skilled Nursing Facility

The type of health care services provided is a major difference between nursing homes and the skilled nursing industry. Skilled nursing homes are specialized in meeting residents’ medical needs.

Qualified practitioners with advanced training, medical directive, and certifications are required for skilled nursing. Health professionals with licenses work in nursing facilities as:

• Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
• Speech and Language Pathologists
• Physical and occupational therapists

Note that, depending on the type, careful planning, and level of care required, you may be able to obtain skilled nursing in other settings, such as your home or nursing homes. Students can opt for weekend nursing programs to understand more about nursing and nursing facilities.

Read More:- 5 Reasons Why LPN Nursing Home Jobs Are in High Demand

Various Care Forms Offered in Skilled Nursing Facilities

Some people who suffer from severe injuries, like falls, may need to be cared for in a nursing home. Some people may need to go to skilled nursing centers to get treatment for serious illnesses, such as cancer. Some people may need to recover from surgery in a nursing home.

The following are some of the types of care that skilled nursing facilities provide:

• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Therapy
• Wound Care
• Intravenous Therapy
• Injections
• Catheter care
• Medical monitoring

Specialized medical equipment is available in nursing for medical care.

Nursing Homes

If a person can’t live safely in their home and needs help with everyday living, they might choose to move into an assisted living facility. Residents can also enjoy social events, shopping trips, and religious services in nursing homes. Residents have 24/7 access to nursing care in daily living.

As per the rights of nursing homes, unlike skilled nursing care facilities, they do not provide medical care and benefits to all residents. Nursing home residents with special medical needs are often transported with careful planning to other healthcare facilities for care. Residents can be driven to their appointments by family members or use transportation services.

While practical nurses and other health care providers may work in nursing homes and other types of care facilities, residents might have fewer licensed nursing professionals available for health care services.

Support for Daily Living Provided by Nursing Homes and Skilled Nursing Facilities

Nursing homes and nursing facilities provide activities of daily life (ADLs) around the clock, including:

• Showering and bathingGetting dressed
• Meals and cooking
• Personal hygiene
• Walking
• Mobility
• Get in and out of Bed
• The way to enter and exit a wheelchair

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Conclusion

Nursing homes provide long-term nursing care residents, whereas skilled nursing institutions help patients recover quickly from serious medical conditions. If you wish to build a career as an LPN in nursing facilities, you should look for schools offering LPN classes near me, to gain knowledge and build the right skills.