Most people call skilled nursing facilities nursing homes. These locations serve two purposes. After a senior experiences an accident or undergoes a surgery, they may need to go through a rehabilitation period. After they are discharged from the hospital, seniors may enter skilled nursing facilities where they can undergo occupational, speech, and physical therapy until their health is restored.

The amount of time a senior stays in a rehab facility depends on their progress and insurance. Medicare will cover services that are needed for as long as the senior continues to make progress.

Skilled nursing facilities also meet the needs of seniors who cannot take care of themselves and need round-the-clock nursing care. Skilled nursing facilities are home to older residents who need regular assistance with Activities of Daily Living, which are ADLs. These are toileting, dressing, eating and ambulating. Care seniors receive at skilled nursing facilities provide everything they need to progress through each day.

Not all skilled nursing facilities are alike. Some are located within continuing care retirement communities and are filled with long-term members, while others are stand-alone and accept newcomers. The price range for skilled nursing facilities is about $187-$400 per day.

Medicare will cover this cost only if the service follows a qualifying hospital stay. After that, the patient is responsible for the cost. If you do the math, you will quickly realize why it’s so important to plan for your long-term care while you’re still healthy.