I want to be informed.

Finding the right skilled nursing and rehabilitation care is about more than location — it’s about finding a place where healing, safety, and support meet. Whether you’re transitioning from home, an assisted living community, or the hospital, we’re here to help you understand your options and what to expect. Let’s walk through the process together.

Understand Your
Care Needs

Know Your
Pathway to Care

Tour, Compare
& Choose a Community

Clinical Review
& Admission

Your Recovery
Journey Begins

Planning For
What's Next

Understand Your Care Needs

What is Skilled Nursing Care?

Learn the difference between skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

Why People Transition to Skilled Nursing Care

Functional decline or increased care needs at home or in assisted living
Recent hospitalization and need for further recovery
Worsening medical conditions requiring skilled nursing oversight

A Beginner's Guide to Senior Living Terminology

If you’re beginning to explore the options available for senior living, you’re likely to come across unfamiliar terminology.

Essential Factors in Choosing Skilled Care

When your loved one is hospitalized, families often focus on immediate needs while also planning for recovery.

When Short-Term Care is the Right Choice

Deciding on the proper care pathway can feel overwhelming when a loved one needs more care than you can provide.

Coming from Home or Assisted Living?

Consult with your primary care provider (PCP) for an evaluation and referral
Coordinate discharge with an assisted living team member (if applicable)
Gather documentation: medication list, health summary, and required state forms

Coming from a Hospital?

Your hospital care team will guide the discharge and referral process
The skilled nursing community will receive and evaluate your medical records
Transfer arrangements are typically handled by the hospital case managers
Insurance authorization requests are processed by the skilled nursing community

Tour & Compare

Visit or virtually tour communities

Ask about: therapy services, visiting hours, respite care, and specialized programs (e.g., memory care, rehab)

Take a Virtual Tour

Use trusted tools to compare quality

More Resources

Check insurance coverage early

Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, or private pay
Know whether you need a 3-night hospital stay or ACO approval
Ask about additional or out-of-pocket costs

Learn More

Clinical Review & Admission

Community reviews your referral

A nurse or admissions coordinator will confirm whether your care needs can be met and if a bed is available.

If accepted:

Schedule your admission date
Coordinate medical or private transport
Pack personal items and complete necessary forms

What personal items should you bring?

Skilled Care Packing Checklist

Download

Your Recovery Journey Begins

Your first day

You’re greeted by the admissions team and oriented to the community
A nurse completes an assessment and begins building your care plan
You’ll meet your care team: CNA, nurse, therapist, social worker

Within the first week

Medical provider visits within 48 hours
Therapy evaluations (if applicable)
A family care conference is scheduled to discuss goals and next steps

This is your care journey

Therapies usually start within 1–2 days and are patient-centric
Daily nursing care includes medication management, wound care, and ADL support
You can expect regular updates and family involvement

Make the most of your stay

Bring personal items to make your stay as comfortable as possible
Join community meals or meet with a resident ambassador
Use the GiGi Assistant® app to connect with your family and track events
Explore spiritual care or quiet spaces for emotional well-being
Enjoy outings and events (or rest — no pressure!)

Planning for What's Next

Weekly team meetings track your progress
Discharge planning starts early — whether you’re returning home, to assisted living, or transitioning to long-term care
Family and caregiver training helps prepare for a safe transition
You’ll leave with discharge instructions, a medication list, and any follow-up appointments

More Skilled Nursing Resources

Which is right for you and your loved one?

Guide to Senior Living Options

Download

Explore More Topics

Need Help Navigating Your Options?

Brenna Hoffman

Executive Director

We’re here to support every step of the way — from comparing facilities to coordinating transportation or understanding insurance. Contact us or continue to explore our free resources above.