In-Home Skilled Nursing Services

In-home skilled nursing refers to medical care provided by licensed nurses in a patient's home. Unlike personal care or companion services, skilled nursing requires the expertise of a trained medical professional. These services are typically ordered by a physician and are part of a comprehensive care plan.

Skilled nursing at home allows patients to receive high-quality medical care in a familiar, comfortable environment. Research consistently shows that patients who receive care at home often recover faster and experience fewer complications than those in institutional settings.

In-home skilled nurses provide a wide range of medical services, including:

• **Wound Care** — Assessment, cleaning, dressing changes, and monitoring of surgical wounds, pressure ulcers, diabetic wounds, and other skin injuries
• **Medication Management** — Administering medications, including injections and IV medications, monitoring for side effects, and educating patients on proper medication use
• **IV Therapy** — Intravenous medication administration, hydration therapy, and parenteral nutrition
• **Chronic Disease Management** — Monitoring and managing conditions like diabetes, heart failure, COPD, and hypertension
• **Post-Surgical Care** — Monitoring recovery, managing pain, preventing complications, and coordinating with surgeons
• **Vital Signs Monitoring** — Regular assessment of blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and oxygen levels
• **Catheter and Ostomy Care** — Insertion, maintenance, and patient education for urinary catheters and ostomy devices
• **Patient and Family Education** — Teaching patients and caregivers about disease management, medication, nutrition, and safety

Skilled nursing at home is appropriate for patients who:

• Are recovering from surgery, illness, or injury
• Have chronic conditions requiring regular medical monitoring
• Need wound care or IV therapy
• Are transitioning from hospital to home
• Require medication management for complex regimens
• Have conditions that make traveling to medical facilities difficult
• Are receiving hospice or palliative care

Yes — Medicare covers in-home skilled nursing at 100% with no copay when specific criteria are met. To qualify, you must:

• Be under the care of a physician who certifies your need for skilled nursing
• Be homebound (leaving home requires considerable effort)
• Need intermittent skilled nursing care (not 24-hour care)
• Receive care from a Medicare-certified home health agency

Medicare covers part-time or intermittent skilled nursing, which typically means up to 8 hours per day and 28 hours per week, though exceptions exist for up to 35 hours per week.

Most private insurance plans, Medicaid, and Medicare Advantage plans also cover in-home skilled nursing services.

The cost of in-home skilled nursing varies by location, complexity of care, and frequency of visits. On average:

• **Per Visit:** $50 — $130
• **Per Hour:** $30 — $75
• **Weekly (3 visits):** $150 — $390

However, if you qualify for Medicare home health benefits, skilled nursing is covered at no cost to you. Our care advisors can help you understand your coverage and out-of-pocket costs.

Getting started is straightforward:

• **Talk to your doctor** — Your physician must order home health services and create a care plan
• **Contact us** — Our care advisors will help you understand your options, coverage, and next steps
• **Begin care** — A qualified nurse will visit your home, assess your needs, and begin delivering care according to your physician's plan

Most patients begin receiving in-home skilled nursing within a few days of referral. If you need care urgently, let us know and we can expedite the process.