A skilled nursing home, or skilled nursing facility (SNF), is a type of healthcare center. It offers 24-hour medical care for people who need more help than they can get at home but don’t need to be in a hospital.
There are more than 280 skilled nursing facilities in Virginia. At JGC Healthcare, we help families understand their care options. When possible, we offer home healthcare services as an alternative to nursing home care.
Home Care vs. Skilled Nursing Facilities
Many older adults prefer to stay at home with their family. Home healthcare services can often provide the care you need without requiring a move to a nursing home.
JGC Healthcare offers a full range of home care services in Virginia, including:
- Skilled nursing care at home
- Personal companion services
- Medication management
- Physical therapy
- Wound care
- 24-hour care when needed
With home care, seniors can stay independent in their own homes. In many cases, it also costs less than nursing home care.
Who Needs These Facilities?
People who may need skilled nursing homes:
- Are you recovering from surgery or illness
- Have serious or long-term health problems
- Need help with daily tasks and medical needs
- Can’t live safely at home alone
Who Works in a Skilled Nursing Home?
These facilities are staffed by trained professionals, such as:
- Registered nurses (RNs)
- Licensed practical nurses (LPNs)
- Doctors
Therapists (physical, speech, and occupational) - Care aides
- Social workers
- Dietitians
This team works together to ensure patients are healthy, comfortable, and progressing in their care.
Services Provided
Skilled nursing homes offer a wide range of services, including:
- Wound care
- IV therapy
- Injections and medications
- Physical therapy
- Occupational and speech therapy
- Pain management
- Monitoring vital signs
- Help with bathing, dressing, and eating
- Memory care
- Respiratory therapy
- Dialysis care
Specialized care is also available for individuals with memory conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Stays
- Short-term care: Provided after surgery, illness, or injury to help patients recover before returning home. Most short stays last two to four weeks.
- Long-term care: For people with chronic illnesses or disabilities who need care for months or even years.
Safety and Regulations in Virginia
All skilled nursing homes in Virginia must meet strict state and federal regulations. The Virginia Department of Health inspects each facility to ensure:
- Clean rooms and equipment
- Licensed and trained staff
- 24/7 emergency care
- Nutritious meals
- Social and recreational activities
- Proper fire safety systems
Who Needs Skilled Nursing Care?
You or your loved one may need skilled nursing care if:
- You’re recovering from a stroke or surgery
- You take several medications that require management
- You have mobility issues or need help with daily living
- You need medical support for wounds, feeding tubes, or equipment
- You can’t complete daily tasks safely at home
- Your family can’t provide 24-hour care
Paying for Skilled Nursing in Virginia
Here are common ways to cover the cost:
- Medicare: Covers short-term stays after hospitalization
- Virginia Medicaid: Helps with long-term care
- Private insurance: Some plans cover nursing home care
- Personal savings: Used to pay out-of-pocket
- Veterans benefits: Available for eligible veterans and spouses
Choosing the Best Care Option
Ask yourself these questions:
- Can your loved one’s needs be met at home?
- How much medical care is required?
- How often does a nurse or doctor need to check in?
- Is the home safe for them to live in?
Try Home Care First: With proper support, many people can remain at home. Home healthcare offers medical care, daily assistance, and companionship in a familiar setting.
If those needs can’t be met at home, then a skilled nursing facility may be the best option.
JGC Healthcare offers free consultations to help you understand your choices and determine what’s best for your loved one.
How to Choose a Good Nursing Home in Virginia
Here are the steps to take:
- Visit the facility in person
- Review the Virginia Department of Health inspection reports
- Ask about staff-to-patient ratios
- Look at meal plans and daily activities
- Confirm they accept your insurance
- Check cleanliness and safety measures
- Talk to current residents and their families
- Understand the emergency response procedures
Virginia’s state website also has tools to compare nursing homes, including ratings and inspection records.
Resident Rights in Virginia
Residents have the right to:
- Safe and clean living conditions
- Respectful treatment
- Privacy and dignity
- Voice complaints without fear
- Have visitors
- Manage their own finances
Final Thoughts
A skilled nursing home is more than just a place to live — it’s a healthcare facility with trained professionals, therapy, and support.
Many seniors can get high-quality care at home. JGC Healthcare has been helping families in Virginia with home care services for over 15 years.
Whether you choose home care or a skilled nursing facility, the goal is the same: keeping your loved one safe, healthy, and comfortable.
Need help deciding? Contact JGC Healthcare today for a free consultation. We’ll help you find the right care option for your family.
