Choosing a nursing home for a loved one is one of the most important decisions a family will ever make. This guide covers everything you need to know — from understanding what a nursing home actually is, to costs, quality ratings, and how to find the right fit.
What Is a Nursing Home?
A nursing home — also called a skilled nursing facility (SNF) — is a residential care setting that provides 24-hour medical supervision, nursing care, and rehabilitation services for people who can no longer be safely cared for at home. Nursing homes serve two primary groups:
- Short-term residents recovering from surgery, a stroke, a fall, or a hospitalization
- Long-term residents who need ongoing skilled nursing care or assistance with daily living activities
Nursing Home vs. Assisted Living vs. Skilled Nursing Facility
These terms are often used interchangeably but have important differences:
| Type of Facility | Level of Care | Medicare Coverage | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) | High — 24/7 nursing, therapy | Yes (up to 100 days) | Post-hospital recovery, complex medical needs |
| Nursing Home | High — nursing + custodial | Partial (skilled care only) | Long-term care needs, dementia, chronic illness |
| Assisted Living | Moderate — daily living help | No | Seniors who need help but not full nursing care |
| Memory Care | Specialized dementia care | No | Alzheimer’s and dementia patients |
Who Needs a Nursing Home?
A doctor or hospital discharge planner typically recommends nursing home placement when a person:
- Requires skilled nursing care (wound care, IV medications, feeding tubes)
- Needs daily physical, occupational, or speech therapy
- Has advanced dementia or Alzheimer’s requiring 24-hour supervision
- Cannot perform basic activities of daily living (ADLs) independently
- Is recovering from a hip fracture, joint replacement, stroke, or cardiac event
Types of Care Offered in Nursing Homes
- Skilled Nursing Care: Wound care, medication management, IV therapy, feeding tube care, catheter care
- Physical Therapy (PT): Restoring strength, mobility, and balance after surgery or injury
- Occupational Therapy (OT): Relearning daily activities like dressing, bathing, and cooking
- Speech Therapy: Addressing swallowing difficulties and communication issues, often after stroke
- Long-Term Custodial Care: Assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting, and meals for residents who cannot return home
How Much Does a Nursing Home Cost?
The national median cost of a nursing home in 2025 is approximately $9,000–$10,500 per month for a semi-private room and $10,000–$12,000 per month for a private room. Costs vary significantly by state and facility type.
Medicare covers skilled nursing care for up to 100 days per benefit period after a qualifying hospital stay of at least 3 days. Medicaid covers long-term nursing home care for residents who meet financial eligibility requirements. Learn more about nursing home costs and payment options →
How to Choose the Right Nursing Home
Quality varies widely between facilities. The most important factors to evaluate include:
- CMS Star Rating: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rates every nursing home on a 1–5 star scale based on health inspections, staffing, and quality measures
- Staffing levels: Higher nurse-to-resident ratios consistently produce better outcomes
- Recent inspection reports: Available free at Medicare.gov Care Compare
- Specialty care: Does the facility specialize in the type of care your loved one needs?
- Location: Proximity to family improves resident outcomes and quality of life
Read our complete guide to choosing a nursing home →
Nursing Home Quality Ratings Explained
The U.S. government rates every Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing home through the CMS Five-Star Quality Rating System. Ratings are based on three components:
- Health and safety inspections (most recent 3 years)
- Staffing levels (RN hours, total nursing hours per resident)
- Quality measures (15 clinical indicators including pressure ulcers, falls, and rehospitalization rates)
Learn how to read nursing home ratings →
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between a nursing home and a skilled nursing facility?
A: Legally, they are the same. “Skilled nursing facility” is the Medicare/Medicaid term. “Nursing home” is the common term. Both provide 24-hour nursing care.
Q: How long can a person stay in a nursing home on Medicare?
A: Medicare covers up to 100 days per benefit period. Days 1–20 are fully covered. Days 21–100 require a daily co-pay (about $200/day in 2025). After 100 days, the resident must pay privately or qualify for Medicaid.
Q: Can I tour a nursing home before choosing?
A: Yes, and you should. Schedule a tour on a weekday during a meal or activity time to see how staff interact with residents. Bring our nursing home visit checklist.
Q: What is the best way to find a quality nursing home?
A: Start at Medicare.gov Care Compare, filter by 4–5 stars, then visit your top 2–3 choices in person. Local placement advisors (like A Place for Mom) can also help at no cost to families.
Free Service for Families
Get Help Finding the Right Nursing Home
A Place for Mom has local advisors who specialize in Jefferson County and the St. Louis area. Their service is free to families — facilities pay the fee.
Find Nursing Homes Near You →