Myth: Skilled Nursing Care center patients never leave or go out on trips

Fact: Skilled Nursing Care centers care for a variety of patients, each with different needs. Some will stay only for a month recovering from an injury or illness; other patients, like those with serious medical conditions, might require a lengthier stay of a year or more. On average, one of four people being cared for in a Skilled Nursing Care center will stay less than three months. And more than 1.7 million individuals each year get the rehabilitative care they need in a Skilled Nursing Care center. Every day, Skilled Nursing Care centers are helping residents achieve their highest potential. For many residents, reaching that goal means they are able to leave the center for an outing or to visit loved ones or friends.

2010 Medicare & Medicaid Statistical Supplement from CMS