Frequently Asked Questions

• What is skilled nursing?

  Skilled nursing is provided by trained nurses in a medical setting, under the supervision of a doctor. Skilled nursing facilities provide patients with transitional care, focusing on helping patients get well enough to go home.

  Many patients go from the hospital to a skilled nursing facility to continue their recovery from illness, injury, and/or surgery. Skilled nursing facilities provide hospital-level care as well as rehabilitative services like occupational, physical, and speech therapies.

• Why might someone need skilled nursing care?

  The goals of skilled nursing are to help individuals manage their health needs, improve their condition, and function more independently. It’s a great way to help individuals slow any declines in their condition and allows them and their loved ones to participate in health goal planning.

  Skilled nursing facilities offer a variety of amenities to best meet the needs of residents. From outings and fitness classes to open floor plans and much more, find the right skilled nursing facility for your loved one.

• What is the difference between skill nursing and custodial care?

  Custodial care involves helping you with activities of daily living–like getting into and out of bed, bathing, dressing, eating, and using the restroom. It may also include helping residents with their oxygen, taking care of catheters or colostomy bags, or using eye drops. Custodial care is often given in a skilled nursing facility.

  Skilled nursing is health care that requires skilled nursing staff (including therapists) to evaluate, manage, observe, and treat residents.

  Both custodial care and skilled nursing care are provided in our skilled nursing facilities.

• What is the difference between skilled nursing facilities and rehab facilities?

  Here at Rochester Regional Health, there is no difference! All of our skilled nursing facilities also offer rehabilitation facilities and care to our residents.

• What are the duties of the care team in a skilled nursing facility?

  The caring staff in a skilled nursing facility perform a wide and varied range of duties while providing comfort and care to patients who require medical services. Patients are regularly evaluated and given individualized care plans, which may include nursing duties and rehabilitative care, as necessary.

  Skilled nursing and therapy professionals include:

  • Audiologists
  • Licensed practical nurses (LPNs)
  • Mid-level providers
  • Physical and occupational therapists
  • Registered nurses (RNs)
  • Speech-language pathologists
• What qualifies a patient for a skilled nursing facility?
  A person who needs regular daily care is a good candidate for skilled nursing.
• Who pays for a skilled nursing facility?

  Generally, skilled nursing facilities are covered by Medicare (if applicable) for a short period following your hospitalization. Similarly, traditional insurance may cover your initial rehabilitative care, but will not cover an extended stay in a skilled nursing facility.

  It is best to check your insurance plan to know how much–if any–of your skilled nursing care they will cover.