What does SNF stand for in healthcare?

In healthcare, SNF stands for Skilled Nursing Facility. This term refers to a specialized facility that provides a higher level of medical care than what is typically available in an assisted living environment but may not require the intensity of care found in a hospital. Skilled Nursing Facilities are designed to offer rehabilitative services, post-operative care, and support for patients who need assistance with daily activities due to various medical conditions or recovery processes.

These facilities are staffed with licensed healthcare professionals, including registered nurses and therapists, who ensure that patients receive the necessary medical attention and support for their ongoing health needs. Patients are often admitted to an SNF after a hospital stay when they require further care or rehabilitation before they can return home.

Understanding the other potential answers provides context, as the terms "Short-term Nursing Facility" and "Subacute Nursing Facility" could suggest types of care settings, but they do not correspond directly to the commonly recognized industry designation. On the other hand, "Senior Nursing Facility," while suggesting a focus on elderly populations, does not accurately reflect the standard terminology used in healthcare to denote skilled nursing care specifically.