When it comes to elderly care, there are many things to learn, starting with the difference between skilled nursing and a nursing home. At Tender Care, an in-home care provider in Douglas, Georgia, the friendly and knowledgeable caregivers have extensive experience helping aging loved ones and their families navigate the complexities of senior care. From skilled nursing services to personal support services, the caregivers at Tender Care are dedicated to helping seniors remain at home as long as possible.

But when the time comes to transition to a skilled nursing facility or a nursing home, there are a lot of things to consider. Here are the differences between skilled nursing care and a nursing home from the in-home care professionals at Tender Care:

What Is a Skilled Nursing Care Facility?

Skilled nursing facilities provide skilled care and are covered by Medicare, which means they are regulated by the Department of Health and must meet strict criteria. The staff at a skilled nursing facility provide a full spectrum of elderly care, from observing and evaluating health status to providing intravenous injections to offering physical therapy. Staff includes registered nurses, a medical director, physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists, and in order to be certified, skilled nursing facilities must have a transfer agreement with a nearby hospital in case a resident needs additional care. Residents are encouraged to continue participating in social activities and personal interests, and many facilities are resident- and community-focused.

What Is A Nursing Home?

Nursing homes provide custodial care and are regulated by the state Department of Social Services, so they are defined differently. Generally, nursing homes don’t provide as wide of a range of care as skilled nursing facilities. Nursing homes are a good option for seniors who need assistance with activities of daily living, such as getting in and out of bed, eating meals, dressing, and bathing. A nursing home is typically the highest level of care for seniors outside of the hospital.

When it comes time to making long-term care choices with an aging loved one, the caregivers at Tender Care are there to help. In addition to providing help with daily activities, such as bathing, grooming, meal preparation, and housekeeping, Tender Care has experienced registered nurses and licensed practical nurses on staff to provide skilled nursing services at home too.

For more information about the in-home care services offered by Tender Care, visit the website, or call the Douglas, Georgia’s favorite elderly care company at (912) 384-8802.