skilled nursing facilities provide a wide range of specialized services for people with various health conditions. For example, many skilled nursing facilities include a floor or wing designated for people with Alzheimer's or dementia. Other specific services offered by skilled nursing facilities include treatment for cancer, cardiovascular disease and pulmonary disease. skilled nursing facilities are ideal places for people who are recovering from strokes, traumatic injuries and other serious medical conditions. They also provide specialized services for people with permanent or developmental disabilities. Residents of skilled nursing facilities also have easy access to pharmaceutical services and equipment rentals.

There are more than 16,000 skilled nursing facilities in the United States. Federal law requires skilled nursing facilities to have a registered nurse on duty at all times. However, skilled nursing facilities are not cheap. Residents of skilled nursing facilities can expect to pay anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000 per month, depending on the types of care and monitoring they need. Many seniors can't afford to live in skilled nursing facilities without help from Medicare, Medicaid or another source of funding. Fortunately, skilled nursing facilities these days have top-notch rehabilitation facilities. Many skilled nursing residents are eventually able to move back to their own homes or live with family members.

Seniors who don't require around-the-clock monitoring can also consider checking into an assisted living community. Assisted living communities serve as a bridge between independent living and residing in a skilled nursing. Residents of assisted living communities usually have apartment-style rooms with access to group activities, healthcare assistance and three prepared meals each day. skilled nursing facilities are better options for seniors who have serious health problems or require a greater degree of assistance to get by in their day-to-day lives.