After a stroke, most people move from the hospital to rehab, either an inpatient rehabilitation facility or a skilled nursing facility, and then to wherever they will live long term. That last step is where families most often get caught without a plan.
What Medicare covers
After a qualifying hospital stay (at least three days as an admitted inpatient; observation days do not count), Medicare Part A can cover skilled nursing facility care for up to 100 days in a benefit period while the person needs skilled care. Days 1 to 20 have no coinsurance. For days 21 to 100 the 2026 coinsurance is $217 a day. Coverage ends sooner if skilled care is no longer needed. Medicare home health can continue therapy at home for people who are homebound.
Questions to ask the rehab team
- Can they walk on their own, or will they need someone to help with every transfer?
- Can they use the bathroom safely at night?
- Do they have trouble swallowing, or need a special diet?
- Have memory, judgment, or speech changed?
- What is the expected discharge date?
When a care home makes sense
If the answers point to help with transfers, toileting, and medication around the clock, a board and care home is often safer and far less costly than 24-hour help at home. Homes cleared for non-ambulatory residents can care for people who use a wheelchair. Start looking when rehab starts, not the week it ends.
Reviewed October 2, 2026. General information, not medical or legal advice. Talk with your loved one's doctor about their health.