Skilled Nursing facilities can be a bridge for rehabilitation after a hospitalization or surgery. Otherwise these facilities are most appropriate for patients with medical nursing needs, particularly those requiring tube feeding or IV, non-ambulatory due to Alzheimer’s or dementia, are bedridden or on hospice.

A skilled nursing facility offers a medical environment where patients may receive injections, may have stage III or IV bedsores, may need occupational therapy, have extreme breathing difficulties, need physical or speech therapy or have multiple medical problems not easily addressed in other living situations.

The average cost of a nursing home is approximately $8400 per month. The cost may be higher in different locations and for different medical/care conditions. Sometimes Medi-Cal and Medicare will cover the cost with restrictions and limitations.