- Nursing homes are also called skilled nursing facilities, due to their function. Skilled nursing facilities specialize in care for people with chronic diseases who need assistance with activities of daily living or require therapies such as speech, occupational or physical. Continuing Care Retirement communities provide one-stop shopping for seniors seeking residential care options. These facilities include independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing options.
- Skilled nursing facilities provide two types of care: rehabilitative services and senior care. Therefore, they are typically spartan in their offerings. Conversely, CCRCs cater to seniors of all needs. They specialize not just in the care provided to their frail patients, but to more independent seniors. This means that services including activities, green spaces and pools are offered as recreational amenities.
- Patients in need of skilled nursing care are covered by Medicaid, depending on their qualifications. CCRCs can participate in Medicaid for their skilled nursing services. They can also opt into Medicaid reimbursement for their independent living spaces, but typically decline. Medicaid reimbursements for independent living is so low that a facility could lose thousands of dollars per month by offering the minimum number of beds at Medicaid rates.
