Frequently Asked Questions

PruittHealth offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation, home health, hospice, palliative care, and memory support services. We also provide physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as pharmacy and infusion services.

Yes, we provide medication management or assistance through our skilled nursing centers, home health, hospice and palliative care, and personal care (PruittHealth Family First), as well as our assisted living communities when requested.

Our skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers offer both short and long-term stays depending on the patient's needs.

The patient's entire care team works with the patient and family to develop levels of care, based on the patient's specific health condition and the patient's personal goals.

From admission to our services, the patient's care team will keep the patient updated about their care plan. If the level of care needs change, the team will advise the patient and work with the patient to determine an appropriate next step.

Our skilled nursing centers and assisted living communities have transportation services available.

Duration and frequency of therapy services are determined by the patient's physician.

Yes. Please talk to your care team about how we can best serve the patient.

Our skilled nursing centers are staffed around the clock to address patient needs. Other services, such as home health, hospice, or personal care may also be able to accommodate weekend or after hours care, depending on your location. Please check our Care Locator to find services near you, or send us a request via our Contact Us form.

Our teams work with referring hospitals, medical partners, and insurance (including Medicare and Medicaid) to coordinate admissions as soon as possible. Please speak with your admissions director for specific location information.

Yes. Medicaid is a state and federal program that pays most nursing home costs for individuals who qualify for Medicaid benefits. PruittHealth can assist patients with Medicaid eligibility determination. The patient's Medicaid aid category determines the patient's available coverage in a skilled nursing center. All PruittHealth skilled nursing centers are Medicaid certified.

Yes. Medicare Part A covers care in a Medicare-certified skilled nursing facility for up to 100 days per benefit period:

• Days 1–20: Fully covered.
• Days 21–100: Medicare covers all charges except the co-insurance amount.

To qualify for Medicare coverage, patients must:

• Have a three-day qualifying hospital stay.
• Be admitted to the facility within 30 days of hospital discharge.
• Have unused Medicare Part A days.
• Have a diagnosis covered by Medicare.

If you require additional skilled care beyond a benefit period, you may qualify for a new 100-day period after going 60 consecutive days without skilled care and meeting eligibility criteria. Medicare Part B may also cover therapy services, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, once Part A coverage ends.

Skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers are sometimes called nursing homes. They are licensed and inspected facilities that provide both short- and long-term care with 24/7 medical supervision. Unlike assisted living or home care, these facilities are equipped to manage complex medical needs and rehabilitation.

Costs vary depending medical condition(s) and method of payment:

• Medicaid: Covers most costs for eligible patients.
• Medicare: Covers care in a certified facility as described above.
• Private Pay: Many patients initially pay out of pocket; long-term patients may later qualify for Medicaid.
• Medigap: Private insurance that helps cover costs not included under Medicare, such as co-insurance or extended stays.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Policies differ; consult your insurance provider or the NAIC for details.

Yes. Each skilled nursing location has a medical director who is responsible for the medical treatment of the patients. There may be other attending physicians based on the needs of the patients. The center's team—including nurses, therapists, and support staff—follows each patient's care plan. 

Doctors work closely with the facility staff to monitor progress, adjust treatments, and ensure safe, effective care.

No, Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living. It primarily pays for medical services, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and limited skilled nursing care. Assisted living costs, which include housing, meals, and personal care, must usually be paid out-of-pocket or supplemented through long-term care insurance.

A senior living community is a residential setting for older adults that provides housing, social activities, meals, and varying levels of care. This can include independent living, assisted living, or memory care, depending on the resident's needs.

Most communities welcome adults age 55 and older who are looking for a supportive and engaging living environment. Residents may be fully independent or need assistance with daily tasks or memory care.

PruittHealth offers assisted living across several trusted communities, including our signature PruittPlace locations and others. Each is designed to provide quality care, comfort, and support. Visit our location finder to explore options near you.

Yes, Medicare covers home health care for eligible beneficiaries under its Part A and Part B plans. To qualify, a patient must be under the care of a doctor who certifies that they need skilled nursing care, physical therapy, or other specific services. The patient must also be homebound, meaning it’s difficult for them to leave their home without assistance. Medicare covers services like skilled nursing, therapy sessions, and certain medical supplies, but it does not cover round-the-clock care or personal care services.

Home health care services are available to individuals who meet certain criteria, including:

• Being under the care of a physician who oversees an individualized care plan.
• Needing skilled services, such as nursing or physical therapy.
• Being homebound, meaning that leaving the home requires significant effort and assistance.
• Having insurance coverage, such as Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, or private insurance, that authorizes the services.

A home health agency will evaluate eligibility during an initial assessment.

Home health nurses provide medical care in the patient’s home. Their responsibilities often include:

• Administering intravenous medications and injections.
• Wound care and dressing changes.
• Monitoring vital signs and health conditions.
• Educating patients and their families about managing medical conditions, medications, and wound care.
• Coordinating care with physicians and other health care providers.

Their goal is to help patients recover safely and maintain independence in their home.

Yes, Medicaid covers home health care services for individuals who meet state-specific eligibility requirements. Coverage often includes skilled nursing, therapy services, and personal care assistance. However, Medicaid rules and covered services vary by state, so it is important to check with your local Medicaid office or the home health agency to confirm coverage.

Our home health team works with patients to schedule services during times most convenient for patients. The frequency of visits depends on the patient's specific health condition.

The family may be present during home health visits, but this is not required.

Yes, Medicare Part A covers hospice care for eligible patients. To qualify, a doctor must certify that the patient has a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less. Medicare covers services such as nursing care, pain management, counseling, medical equipment, and medications related to the terminal illness. The goal of hospice care is to provide comfort and support, rather than curative treatment.

Hospice provides compassionate care for individuals facing terminal illnesses. Services can begin when a doctor determines a patient has six months or less to live. Care focuses on comfort and quality of life, including:

• Pain and symptom management
• Emotional and spiritual support for patients and families
• Assistance with daily living tasks
• Counseling and bereavement support for loved ones

Hospice care is provided in the home, skilled nursing center, assisted living community, personal care home, and hospitals, or wherever the patient calls home.

Yes, a person can request hospice care if they meet eligibility criteria. A doctor must certify the patient’s terminal illness and limited life expectancy. Individuals can contact a hospice provider directly or discuss this option with their health care team.

No, palliative care and hospice are not the same, though they share a focus on comfort and quality of life. Palliative care is available to patients at any stage of a serious, chronic illness and can be provided alongside curative treatments. Hospice, on the other hand, is specifically for patients nearing the end of life who are no longer pursuing curative measures.

PruittHealth Family First provides personalized, in-home non-medical services, which include assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing, grooming, medication reminders, meal preparation, and light housekeeping.

Medicare generally does not cover non-medical in-home care services, such as personal care or help with daily living activities like bathing, dressing, or meal preparation.

Respite care provides temporary relief for caregivers who are caring for individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or aging-related conditions. It allows caregivers to take a break while ensuring their loved ones receive proper care. Respite care can be provided in various settings, including at home, in a health care facility, or at a dedicated respite center. Services often include assistance with daily activities, medical care, and companionship, helping both caregivers and care recipients maintain their well-being.

We accept all types of insurance, including Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and most private insurances.

Yes, based on each patient's eligibility.

Out-of-pocket costs vary depending on insurance, patient needs, and other factors. Please work with your care team to determine your specific costs.

All insurances have different requirements for eligibility. Once enrolled, a patient's out of pocket costs, as well as the covered length of stay (or care term) will vary. Our teams help patients understand their benefits and expected costs at time of admission so they are fully informed about their specific financial situation.

Please contact our veteran locations in North Carolina and Maryland. Our team will help determine eligibility.

PruittHealth's team will help you understand your specific financial situation.

Skilled Nursing: Nursing and therapy sessions, meals, medications, and planned activities—structured around each patient’s personalized care plan.

Assisted Living: A more independent daily routine with support available as needed—meals, medication support as requested, and social programming in a community setting.

Home Health: Care happens at home through scheduled clinician visits (nursing/therapy as ordered), focused on recovery, safety, and teaching to support independence.

Hospice & Palliative Care: Comfort-focused support wherever the patient calls home, with nurse visits and a full interdisciplinary team supporting symptoms, pain management, and family needs.

Personal Care (Family First): Private-pay, non-medical in-home support to help clients stay independent—assistance with daily routines, companionship, and peace of mind for families.

Skilled Nursing: Support ranges from reminders to hands-on assistance based on needs; staff help with bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, and mobility as appropriate.

Assisted Living: Help with ADLs (like bathing and dressing) is provided per the resident’s service plan, with a focus on dignity and promoting independence.

Home Health: CNAs (home health aides) may assist with bathing, grooming, dressing, transfers/ambulation, toileting, feeding/hydration support (excluding meal prep) when the patient is also receiving nursing or therapy.

Hospice & Palliative Care: CNAs can assist with bathing, grooming, and comfort needs; the team also supports symptom management and caregiver education.

Personal Care (Family First): Non-medical help with bathing, grooming, dressing, feeding, exercise, and mobility—plus medication reminders (not skilled medication administration).

Skilled Nursing: Therapy is customized to goals and tolerance. Many short-term rehabilitation patients receive physical, occupational, or speech therapy frequently, depending on the patient’s care plan.

Assisted Living: Therapy may be provided on-site or as “outpatient” via our Home Health team, when ordered; frequency depends on provider evaluation and resident goals.

Home Health: Frequency is set by the evaluating clinician and plan of care, and can vary widely (commonly about 1–3 visits per week), based on assessment and goals.

Hospice: Hospice is not typically “therapy-driven” but therapy strategies may be used when appropriate for comfort and safety (e.g., positioning, mobility, caregiver training).

Palliative Care: Patients may continue to receive therapy services as part of ongoing curative treatments. The frequency and duration of services would be determined based on a therapy evaluation and the patient's individual clinical needs.

Personal Care (Family First): Therapy isn’t included. However, if therapy is needed, our teams can coordinate with the Home Health team to provide therapy in the patient’s residence.

Skilled Nursing: Meals and hydration are provided on-site, with dietitian support and therapeutic diets provided as needed. Staff may assist with feeding and monitoring when indicated.

Assisted Living: Scheduled meals are typically provided in a central dining setting. Hydration and snacks vary by community and resident preferences, with staff support as needed.

Home Health: Meals/snacks are not provided, but clinicians may educate on nutrition and hydration as part of the care plan. CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants) can assist with feeding/hydration (not meal preparation) when that patient is also receiving nursing/therapy.

Hospice & Palliative Care: The team supports comfort-focused nutrition/hydration decisions, symptom relief (e.g., nausea/dry mouth), and caregiver guidance as needs change.

Personal Care (Family First): Meal preparation and nutrition/hydration support can be provided as part of non-medical caregiving (per the family’s preferences and care plan).

Skilled Nursing: Activities may include recreation, social events, and spiritual/chapel options, designed to support engagement and well-being during the stay.

Assisted Living: Communities typically offer ongoing social programming (events, group activities, outings where available) to support connection and quality of life.

Home Health: Home Health doesn’t typically offer “community-style” activity programming; clinicians focus on health goals and may connect patients to community resources when helpful (e.g., support services).

Hospice: Hospice includes emotional/spiritual support (chaplain, social work, volunteers) and may offer bereavement support for families; activities center on comfort and meaningful time.

Personal Care (Family First): Companionship and engagement are part of care; caregivers can support preferred hobbies and routines at home and accompany clients to appointments/errands as needed.

Skilled Nursing: Safety is supported through 24/7 licensed nursing oversight, individualized care plans, infection prevention practices, and regular rounding/safety checks, with care delivered by an interdisciplinary team.

Assisted Living: Safety is supported through a secure residential setting, individualized service plans, staff support for daily needs (including medication assistance when part of the service plan), and escalation protocols when health needs change.

Home Health: Safety is supported through comprehensive in-home assessments, patient/caregiver education, medication and symptom monitoring, and a physician-ordered plan of care, with clinical support available 24/7 for urgent questions.

Hospice & Palliative Care: Safety is supported through an interdisciplinary team focused on symptom control, caregiver teaching, and 24/7 access to guidance, delivered wherever the patient calls home.

Personal Care (Family First): Safety is supported through non-medical, in-home assistance and companionship, help with daily routines, medication reminders, and family communication—focused on helping clients remain safe and independent at home.

Skilled Nursing: Yes—fall risk is assessed on admission and updated as needed, with individualized prevention plans that may include safe transfers, mobility assistance, and environmental safeguards.

Assisted Living: Yes—fall risk is addressed through service planning, staff support with transfers/ambulation as needed, and environmental safety practices in the community setting.

Home Health: Yes—clinicians assess mobility, the home environment, and other non-mobility related risk factors and provide balance/strength interventions (when indicated), safety recommendations, and other patient/caregiver education to reduce fall risk.

Hospice & Palliative Care: Yes—teams focus on comfort and safety through symptom management (e.g., dizziness, weakness), equipment recommendations, and caregiver teaching to reduce falls.

Personal Care (Family First): Yes—caregivers can support safer routines at home (e.g., steadying assistance, reminders, supervision as appropriate) and help families implement basic home safety improvements.

Skilled Nursing: Clinical teams assess and respond immediately, notify the physician and family as appropriate, and coordinate emergency transport when needed, following established protocols.

Assisted Living: Staff follow community emergency response procedures, notify family/authorized contacts, and coordinate EMS or provider notification when residents have urgent medical needs.

Home Health: During visits, clinicians assess urgent changes and help coordinate next steps, including contacting the physician or EMS when indicated. Patients/caregivers also receive guidance on when to call 911 and how to reach clinical support.

Hospice & Palliative Care: Teams provide 24/7 on-call support to address urgent symptoms and guide families. When emergency services are appropriate based on the patient’s goals of care, the team helps coordinate and communicate next steps.

Personal Care (Family First): Caregivers can help identify concerning changes and contact the family or emergency services as directed by the care plan and client preferences; they can also support safe transitions to urgent or emergency care when needed.

Skilled Nursing: Care is delivered by an interdisciplinary team that may include licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants, therapists (physical/occupational/speech), dietary and activities partners, and care coordination/social services.

Assisted Living: Teams typically include caregiving partners who assist with daily living needs, plus medication support staff as applicable. Residents may also receive additional services (like therapy or home health) through external providers, when ordered.

Home Health: Depending on physician orders and patient needs, care may include registered nurses, therapists (physical/occupational/speech), medical social work, and home health aides (CNAs) who support personal care.

Hospice & Palliative Care: Hospice care is supported by an interdisciplinary team that may include nurses, social workers, certified nursing assistants, chaplains, volunteers, and bereavement support. 

Palliative care may also involve nurse practitioners and specialized nursing support focused on symptom relief.

Personal Care (Family First): Care is provided by non-medical caregivers focused on personal care and household support, companionship, and respite.  A Registered Nurse develops a care plan based on the non-medical needs of the client. If skilled clinical services are needed, families can coordinate separately with Home Health or other providers.

Skilled Nursing: Staffing varies by location and patient acuity. Nursing coverage is 24/7, and staffing plans are adjusted based on patient needs and applicable regulations.

Assisted Living: Staffing varies by community and resident service needs, with team members available to provide support based on each resident’s individualized service plan.

Home Health: Home health is visit-based rather than unit-based staffing; visit frequency and disciplines are determined by the physician-ordered plan of care and patient needs.

Hospice & Palliative Care: Services are provided through scheduled visits and 24/7 on-call support; visit frequency is guided by patient needs, symptom changes, and the plan of care.

Personal Care (Family First): Care is scheduled based on the family’s preferences, from a few hours a day to twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The level of support is matched to the client’s needs.

Skilled Nursing: Teams receive role-based onboarding and ongoing education to support safe, compliant care. Clinical expectations and competencies are reinforced through routine training and supervision.

Assisted Living: Caregiving partners receive training aligned with state requirements and community standards, including resident support, safety, and escalation procedures.

Home Health: Clinicians complete structured onboarding and skills validation as part of orientation, with ongoing education and annual requirements to support safe in-home care delivery.

Hospice & Palliative Care: Team members are trained on hospice/palliative philosophy, symptom management, patient rights, documentation expectations, and safety/compliance requirements, with ongoing education to support high-quality care.

Personal Care (Family First): Caregivers are trained to support non-medical personal care and safe routines in the home. Services can be tailored to specific needs, including support using commonly used equipment in the home, as appropriate.  All caregivers are supervised by a Registered Nurse.

Skilled Nursing: Providers may round on patients/residents and remain available for orders and urgent needs; on-site presence varies by center and clinical model.

Assisted Living: Assisted living is not a hospital setting; residents maintain their own providers. Communities coordinate with families/providers and can assist with arranging health services when needs change.

Home Health: Home health services are delivered under a physician’s order and plan of care. Patients typically continue with their existing providers, and clinicians coordinate with the ordering provider regarding changes and needs.

Hospice & Palliative Care: Hospice care is supported by 24/7 on-call clinical guidance. Palliative care services may be supported by nurse practitioners and specialized nursing staff, depending on patient needs and program availability.

Personal Care (Family First): Personal care is non-medical; clients keep their own providers. Caregivers can support appointments, communication, and routines, and families can add skilled clinical services separately when needed.

Skilled Nursing: A care coordination approach brings together nursing, therapy, and other disciplines to align the care plan, communicate progress, and support discharge planning.

Assisted Living: Community staff coordinate day-to-day services within the resident’s service plan and help connect residents/families with outside providers (including therapy or home health) when ordered.

Home Health: The home health team coordinates services under the plan of care, communicating across nursing, therapy, and social work, and partnering with the ordering provider and caregiver/family as appropriate.

Hospice & Palliative Care: An interdisciplinary team coordinates care, including symptom management, personal care support, psychosocial and spiritual support, and communication with the patient’s providers and caregivers.

Personal Care (Family First): Coordination is typically handled by the family and any involved providers. Caregivers can help keep routines consistent and share observations that may help the care team adjust services.

Skilled Nursing: We can help you understand what provider coverage is available and how to coordinate with the patient’s existing physicians. If you need help establishing care, we can guide you through next steps based on the center’s processes.

Assisted Living: Residents typically maintain their own primary care provider. We can help you understand local options and what information you’ll need to set up care and coordinate services.

Home Health: Home health starts with a physician order for assessment/admission. If you don’t have a provider to write orders, we can share what information is needed and help you understand options for establishing a primary care relationship.

Hospice & Palliative Care: We can explain eligibility, talk through next steps, and coordinate with the patient’s existing providers. If the family needs guidance on who to contact first, our team can help point you in the right direction.

Personal Care (Family First): Personal care is non-medical, but we can support you with appointment scheduling, transportation, and companionship for visits, and help families keep care routines organized.

PruittHealth knows the importance of family and friends to a patient's recovery. While we can only share medical information with a patient's designated Responsible Party, we welcome visits to patients and feedback for our teams.

Respite care, or support for caregivers, is available in select skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, and through our Family First personal care service.

You can speak with the patient's care team, the location Administrator, or contact our Committed to Caring Hotline at (800) 222-0321​ or C2CHotline@PruittHealth.com. Callers can remain anonymous if requested.

Yes. We offer materials and feedback for families when patients are admitted. We continue to support families throughout a patient's stay and help the family prepare for transitions to home.

Families are welcome to tour our skilled nursing centers and assisted living communities. You can drop by or call us to schedule a personal visit.

Please coordinate your visit with the specific location you'd like to tour. Numbers can be found on our website.

Yes, in most cases. Walk-in visits may be limited during high-risk periods, such as flu and respiratory virus seasons.

You may visit your loved one at any time, but we encourage you to visit between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. so we may best assist you. Please contact your individual location for more information or visit our Visitation page.

There are no visitor restrictions, but we ask that you keep the health and well-being of patients and loved ones in mind.

If you enter a PruittHealth location during a respiratory outbreak, we will ask you to wear a face covering or mask and practice social distancing. If your loved one’s location is experiencing a respiratory outbreak, you will be notified to ensure you are aware of the potential risk if you choose to visit. Signage will also be posted at the location’s entrances to alert visitors of the potential risk.

Please contact your individual location for more information or visit our Visitation page.

Children are welcome to visit. However, due to the fragile condition of many patients, children must remain with an adult at all times.

Yes, each skilled nursing center's page and assisted living community's page on our website includes a virtual tour.

Yes, family members are welcome to attend the care plan meeting. If needed, family members can participate via phone or virtual calls.