What it means
A place, often part of a nursing home, where licensed nurses and therapists give daily care that must be done by skilled staff, such as wound care, IV medicines, and physical, occupational and speech therapy. Many clients go there for a short stay after a hospital stay, to recover before going home; Medicare covers such stays only for a limited time and under set rules.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | SNF |
|---|---|
| Also written | SNF, skilled nursing facilities |
Related terms
rehabilitation
Care that helps a person regain, keep or improve the skills and independence lost through illness, injury or surgery.
discharge planning
Preparing a client and family to leave a health care facility and continue care safely at the next place.
long-term care facility
A place where people who cannot fully care for themselves live and receive ongoing care, often for months or years.