Hospitals often discharge patients who need rehab or skilled nursing to a skilled nursing facility (SNF), sometimes within a day or two. Medicare covers a SNF stay only after a qualifying inpatient stay of at least 3 days, so ask early whether the patient is an inpatient or under observation, and start comparing facilities right away.
Who this is for
Family members helping someone leave the hospital for short-term rehab or nursing care.
Step by step
- Ask about status. Time under observation or in the emergency room doesn't count toward the 3 inpatient days, even overnight.
- Ask for the list of facilities and which have beds. If the hospital has its own SNF with a bed, you may be able to stay there.
- Compare quickly: distance for visiting, CMS ratings, staffing and recent inspections. Use our NH directory filters and the compare tool.
- Confirm coverage: Medicare generally requires SNF admission within about 30 days of leaving the hospital and a need for daily skilled care. Medicare Advantage plans may have their own rules.
- Plan for after rehab: ask what happens if skilled care ends, and whether long-term care, home health or another setting is next.
If a nursing home isn't the right fit
Medicare may cover home health (part-time skilled nursing and therapy at home) if a doctor orders it and the person is considered homebound. Medicare doesn't cover 24-hour care at home or custodial care when that's the only care needed. CaringBloom's home health directory is coming soon.
Questions to ask the discharge planner
- Is the patient an inpatient, and since what date?
- Which facilities have accepted the referral, and which have beds now?
- What skilled care is expected, and for how long?
- Who do I call if the plan doesn't work after discharge?
This guide is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. For decisions about your situation, talk with your doctor, the hospital or facility social worker, an Aging & Disability Resource Center, or an elder-law attorney.
Official sources
- Medicare: Skilled nursing facility care
- Medicare: Home health services
- Medicare: Your Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home (PDF)
Sources checked Nov 11, 2026. Rules and dollar amounts change, usually each January; confirm with the source.