What is a Nursing Home?
Nursing homes are long-term residential facilities for individuals who require day-to-day support with routine tasks or medical services. People who require nursing home care are individuals who do not require high level medical care, like that provided in a skilled nursing facility, but require too much day-to-day assistance to live independently in their home. Nursing homes are typically for patients who require basic long-term medical care for medical conditions. These facilities are not only for the elderly, but for anyone who requires 24-hour care.
A nursing home care can be medical or non-medical in nature. Many homes also have memory care available on site for patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Understanding the quality, type, and diversity of the services offered in a nursing home is an important part of making an informed decision about what facility to trust with you or your family member.
Nursing homes vary widely in the levels of care and services available. State licensing and other certifications determine the tiers of medical care that can be provided. At a minimum, some level of security, personal and nursing care is available around the clock.
Medical Services
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Medication management
Non-Medical Services
- Bathing assistance
- Dressing assistance
- Eating assistance
- Recreational activities
- Transportation, meals, laundry, housekeeping, etc.
What is the difference between a nursing home and skilled nursing facility?
Although the words “nursing home” and “skilled nursing facility” are often used interchangeably, they are different. Skilled nursing facilities are for patients who require a high level of medical care for a short period so that they can rehabilitate and return to the home setting. Nursing homes are for individuals who can no longer live at home and who require a long-term residential medical care facility.
Learn more about skilled nursing facilities.
Learn more about nursing homes.
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