What Is the Difference Between Home Care and Skilled Nursing Facilities?

A group of elderly people and a nurse are sitting around a table, giving each other a high five.

The main difference between home care and skilled nursing facilities is the level of medical care provided and the setting.


Home care is typically non-medical support delivered in a senior’s own home. Caregivers help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, cooking, and companionship. Some home care providers offer limited medical services like medication reminders or basic health monitoring.


Skilled nursing facilities, on the other hand, offer 24/7 medical care provided by licensed nurses. These facilities are ideal for seniors recovering from surgery, managing chronic conditions, or needing therapies such as physical, occupational, or speech therapy.


Home care works best for relatively independent seniors who need light support, while skilled nursing is suited for those with complex medical needs.


At Heisinger Bluffs, we offer multiple levels of care, including skilled nursing, to meet each resident’s unique needs in a safe and caring environment.


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can a senior start with home care and move to skilled nursing later?

    Yes, care can shift based on changing health needs.

  • Is skilled nursing the same as a nursing home?

    Yes, though “skilled nursing facility” is the more formal term.

  • Who pays for home care or skilled nursing?

    Medicare may cover skilled nursing; home care is often private pay unless medically necessary.


Sources:

  1. https://bethesdahealth.org/blog/health-monitoring-devices-and-apps-for-seniors/
  2. https://mulberryhealth.com/2024/12/17/speech-therapy-what-it-is-and-how-it-helps-seniors/
Heisinger Bluffs logo
A nurse sitting next to an elderly woman on a couch
SCHEDULE A TOUR
Google rating average 4.65 rating out of 60 reviews

Want to know more?

Share This Article

You May Also Like To Read

An elderly man in a wheelchair is being helped by a nurse.
By Heisinger Bluffs Editorial July 31, 2025
What if a resident's care changes over time? Learn how senior living communities adjust services to meet evolving health needs.
A nurse is helping an elderly woman in a wheelchair.
By Heisinger Bluffs Editorial July 31, 2025
Wondering who qualifies for skilled nursing? Learn the key criteria for eligibility, including medical needs and physician recommendations.
A group of memory care residents is walking together outdoors
By Heisinger Bluffs Editorial July 31, 2025
Can memory care residents go outside? Learn how outdoor access is safely managed to support well-being in memory care communities.
A caregiver is helping a senior rehabilitation resident with her physical therapy
By Heisinger Bluffs Editorial July 31, 2025
Discover what therapies are usually offered during rehabilitation. Learn about physical, occupational, and speech therapy options to aid recovery.
A caregiver is helping an elderly woman stand up
By Heisinger Bluffs Editorial July 31, 2025
Learn how to tell if your loved one needs long-term care. Recognize key signs and make informed decisions with this helpful guide.
A patient with dementia sitting on a dining table ready for a meal
By Heisinger Bluffs Editorial July 31, 2025
Explore the types and levels of dementia, including symptoms and progression stages, to better understand care needs and available support.
More Posts