How Long Can You Stay In A Skilled Nursing Facility?

The duration of a stay in a skilled nursing facility can vary greatly between patients. Perhaps you’re wondering how long you or a loved one can stay in a skilled nursing facility. We’re here to help answer your questions.

There is no fixed limit to how long residents can stay. Each person’s stay is based on their individual needs. Each person in a skilled nursing facility has an evaluation that establishes their needs and treatment goals. Doctors and therapists develop a personal care plan based on the patient’s illness or injury. These treatment plans are then designed to expedite recovery; however, the treatment team may adjust a person’s length of stay based on their progress.

In Utah, facilities like Monument Health Group offer both short-term and long-term care options to cater to diverse patient requirements. Duration of stay can also vary by insurance coverage, whether a patient needs short- or long-term care, and transitional planning that involves doctors, nurses, and other medical staff.

While there is no formula for determining the length of stay in a skilled nursing facility for any one individual, there are some generalities that can be applied. Read on for more information.

What Determines The Length Of Stay In An SNF?

The length of stay at a skilled nursing facility, or SNF for short, is determined by a number of factors.

These include:

• Medical necessity: This is often the single biggest factor in the length of stay at an SNF, the medical needs of the patient. Necessity can sometimes be determined by the patient themselves, but more likely, a doctor or other health professionals are helping to make these determinations.
• General health: Overall health when entering a facility can also factor into length of stay, with younger patients and those with good physical health often staying for shorter periods of time due to their natural ability to bounce back quicker from injury and illness.  
• Progress in recovery: Progress is another factor that influences length of stay. Those who are able to make progress faster are often able to shorten the length of their stays in skilled nursing facilities. By following the orders of medical staff, performing any physical therapy that may be required, and following health advice, the length of stay may be shortened.
• Insurance coverage and financial concerns: Unfortunately, insurance coverage sometimes determines how long patients can stay in skilled nursing facilities. It is a reality of our health system, but at Monument Health Group, we strive to work with everyone, so the ability to pay is minimized as a factor.
• Doctors’ orders: The orders and recommendations of doctors and other medical staff, like physical therapists, are often taken into account when determining the length of stay in a SNF. Stays can vary based on what a doctor or other medical staff believes about a patient’s condition and prognosis for recovery.

Who Decides The Length Of Stay?

The doctors, therapists, and care teams determine the length of stay for each resident receiving skilled nursing care. These experienced medical professionals and caregivers consider the resident’s treatment goals and create customized plans to help the resident achieve their goals as quickly as possible, without jeopardizing their safety.

During treatment, medical professionals and caregivers evaluate the person’s progress. The resident’s ability to return home safely and their ongoing care needs are factors considered when determining if they’re ready to leave skilled nursing care.

Ideally, residents will return home and be able to live independently without safety concerns. However, in some cases, residents may need to use assistive devices, hire in-home support, or relocate to an assisted living facility. 

Can A Stay Be Extended?

It is possible to extend your stay at a skilled nursing facility; however, if you’re using Medicare to pay for your stay, whether Medicare will continue to pay for additional care depends on how much coverage you have available.

Qualifying inpatients who have medical needs justifying skilled nursing care and who also qualify for Medicare receive 20 days of total coverage after paying the deductible. However, Medicare only covers a portion of the costs for days 21 through 100. Medicare’s maximum coverage per benefit period is 100 days. A resident who extends their stay beyond 100 days during the Medicare benefit period will be responsible for the full cost of care.

Short-Term And Long-Term Care

If you’re wondering, “How long can you stay in a skilled nursing facility?” The first question you must ask is, is it a short-term solution, or a long-term one? Perhaps the most important factor to note about skilled nursing facilities is that there are generally two types of patients: short-term care patients and long-term care patients.

Short-term care is designed for patients recovering from surgery, illness, or injury. In this case, skilled nursing facilities are the bridge between hospital and home. This type of care lasts from a few days to a number of weeks, and can include rehabilitation services, such as physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.

For short-term patients, you’ll also want to discuss transition planning with your doctor. This includes having a plan for discharge, follow-up care by medical professionals, family support, and any modifications that may need to be made to the home. 

Long-term care is designed for patients with chronic illnesses or injuries. For these patients, stays in skilled nursing facilities can last for months, years, or be indefinite. Support includes help with daily activities, such as eating and using the toilet, as well as 24-hour supervision by nurses and access to other medical staff. Long-term care insurance is often available for those who qualify.

Call Monument Health Group Today For The Best Skilled Nursing In Utah

Monument Health Group offers the best skilled nursing facilities in Utah because we want your loved ones to be as comfortable and as cared for as possible. We offer more than a dozen locations in Salt Lake City and throughout Utah to serve you and those you love.

If you or a loved one requires skilled nursing care in Utah, consider reaching out to Monument Health Group today. With facilities offering both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care services, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care.

Our mission is to stand as a monument to professionalism, exceptional care, and superior healthcare outcomes. We are dedicated to those we serve and recognize that our skilled employees are essential to our quality and the health of your family.

Call today to discuss further options for skilled nursing facilities.