Comparing options, answered plainly

What's the difference between a supported home and a nursing home?

Medical vs non-medical, and who pays for each.

A nursing home is medical; a supported home is not. A nursing home (skilled nursing facility) provides 24/7 medical / skilled nursing care — Medicare covers a limited post-hospital stay, and Medicaid covers long-term care for those who qualify. A supported home is a smaller, non-medical residence with daily-living support, usually for adults with I/DD or behavioral-health needs, funded by Medicaid HCBS waivers with the resident’s SSI for room and board.

Medical vs non-medical care

A nursing home delivers skilled nursing and medical care for people who need that level every day. A supported home provides non-medical support with daily living, in a smaller, home-like setting — it is not a medical facility.

Source: Medicare.gov, nursing-home / skilled nursing care — medicare.gov.

Who pays for each

Nursing home: Medicare covers a limited skilled stay after a qualifying hospital admission; Medicaid covers long-term nursing-home care for those who qualify. Supported home: Medicaid HCBS waivers pay the support services; the resident’s SSI covers room and board.

Source: Medicaid.gov, HCBS — medicaid.gov.

Which is the right fit

The right setting follows the person’s needs assessment. Someone who needs daily skilled nursing may need a nursing facility; someone who needs support and structure but not medical care is often better served in a small group / supported-living home. A care manager or discharge planner can help decide.

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Related

About Mai Heaven: this page is educational, not eligibility advice. We build small, permanent supported homes — also called group homes — for adults who are hard to place. Join the waiting list and we’ll reach out when a home opens near you. Need help now? Call or text 988, or dial 211.