Short-Term Skilled Nursing Facility vs. Long-Term Care Facility

What are Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs)?

Skilled nursing facilities — often called SNFs — are short-term care facilities that aid people recovering from acute injuries or illnesses. In an SNF for older adults, the nurses, doctors and therapists specialize in rehabilitation explicitly for seniors.

Most SNFs aim to improve residents’ lives within 20 to 40 days. This makes skilled nursing facilities ideal for individuals who need help recovering from an acute condition, such as a stroke, joint replacement or hospitalization. Those staying in short-term SNFs will have access to specialized caregivers, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists. Of course, access to targeted and focused specialized care typically accelerates recovery time.

However, certain residents may need ongoing care beyond the typical 40-day recovery period. In such cases, they can opt to transfer their recovery to a long-term care facility.

What are Long-Term Care (LTC) Facilities?

Like SNFs, long-term care facilities (LTCs) can offer a safe place for patients who need to recover from an acute injury or illness. Of course, as the name suggests, these facilities are also known for providing extended care. LTC facilities provide care that can last for months or years.

Long-term care frequently includes help with daily tasks like bathing, toileting and eating, just to name a few. Daily tasks are sometimes referred to as activities of daily living, or ADLs for short.

LTC encompasses a range of services intended to address an individual’s health and personal care needs. These services aim to support people in maintaining maximum independence and safety when they face challenges in performing daily activities independently.

Should I Choose an SNF or an LTC Facility?

Short-term skilled nursing facilities are usually the best option for those suffering from temporary or acute conditions. And long-term care facilities are best suited for those suffering from chronic conditions. However, in some cases, people can choose to start their care at an SNF before transitioning into a LTC facility for extended care.

At The Buckingham, we are dedicated to providing residents with highly individualized treatment plans and around-the-clock care. This includes those who are in need of short-term skilled nursing care as well as long-term care. All residents at The Buckingham have access to the amenities, activities and services on campus, including on-site suites available for visiting families and overnight guests for a small fee.

To learn more about our skilled nursing community and the services we offer, contact us by calling (713) 979-3777.