What is the primary function of a skilled nursing facility?

The primary function of a skilled nursing facility is to offer skilled nursing and medical care for patients who require assistance following hospitalization. These facilities provide services that include 24-hour nursing care, rehabilitation services (such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy), and monitoring of patients' medical conditions. Skilled nursing facilities are designed to help individuals recover from illnesses, surgeries, or injuries that require more intensive medical supervision than what can be provided at home or in less intensive care settings.

In contrast, while facilities that provide custodial care focus primarily on assistance with daily living activities for the elderly, skilled nursing facilities have a more comprehensive medical component. Additionally, non-medical assistance and companionship are services typically associated with home health aides or assisted living facilities, rather than the skilled nursing facility's primary role. Lastly, while physical therapy may be a component of care offered in skilled nursing facilities, it is just one aspect of the broader range of skilled medical services provided to patients who need more complex care. Thus, the correct answer reflects the comprehensive skilled nursing and medical care necessary for recovery after hospitalization.