Skilled nursing, formerly called nursing homes, is housing with skilled nursing for seniors. There is 24 / 7 care (personal and skilled nursing) on a long-term and / or short-term basis. Residents receive a room, meals, recreational activities, assistance with activities of daily living, and protection / supervision. Skilled nursing is licensed by Minnesota and is required to follow both state and federal regulations.
 
Skilled nursing has trained professionals performing services that are needed temporarily due to an injury or illness:
• nurses attending to wounds or dispensing and monitoring intravenous medications
• physical therapists working with residents to improve strength and balance
• speech therapists assisting residents to communicate following a stroke
• occupational therapists helping residents to be independent with dressing, personal hygiene, and eating
 

Some skilled nursing accommodates seniors with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, dementia, or respiratory ailments.

Staff also provides custodial care that focuses on helping residents with activities of daily living, such as:
• bathing and dressing
• eating
• incontinence
• maneuvering in and out of bed and / or walking
• personal hygiene
 

Not all skilled nursing residences offer these services. Families should visit several residences to find the one best suited to their loved one’s needs.
 
Skilled nursing services:
• 24-hour security and staff availability
• access to health and medical services
• assistance with eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and walking
• end-of-life or hospice care
• laundry services
• limited transportation
• medication management
• pharmaceutical, laboratory, and radiology services
• private or semi-private room
• respite care
• social, educational, and recreational activities
• two or three meals a day served in a common dining area

 
Paying for skilled nursing:
• Medicaid (Medical Assistance)
• Medicare
• private health insurance
• private pay
 

Nursing homes licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health are subject to periodic health and safety inspections for regulatory compliance. For more information, visit the Nursing Home Report Card website http://nhreportcard.dhs.mn.gov to view and compare the quality measure scores.