HomeHealth TopicsOlder AdultsNursing Homes
Back to Older Adults
Nursing Homes
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Older Adults

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes provide 24-hour care for individuals who require professional medical support or assistance that cannot be managed at home.

Overview

A nursing home is a place for people who don't need to be in a hospital but can't be cared for at home. Most nursing homes have nursing aides and skilled nurses on hand 24 hours a day. Nursing homes are not only for older adults, but for anyone who requires 24-hour care.

Facility Environments

Some nursing homes are set up like a hospital. The staff provides medical care, as well as physical, speech and occupational therapy. There might be a nurses' station on each floor.

Other nursing homes try to be more like home. They try to have a neighborhood feel. Often, they don't have a fixed day-to-day schedule, and kitchens might be open to residents. Staff members are encouraged to develop relationships with residents.

Specialized Care

Some nursing homes have special care units for people with serious memory problems such as Alzheimer's disease. Some will let couples live together.

Frequently Asked Questions

ssess the level of medical and daily living support needed, the presence of specialized units (e.g., memory care), staff-to-resident ratios, and the facility’s environment (hospital‑like vs. home‑like). Also review the quality ratings from state surveys and read resident and family reviews to gauge the overall care quality and community feel.
Costs vary by location, level of care, and whether the facility is private or public. In 2024, the average monthly cost in the U.S. ranges from $4,000 to $8,000. Medicaid can cover costs for eligible residents, but you may need to pay a portion or use private pay. Create a budget by estimating monthly expenses, checking Medicaid eligibility, and exploring long‑term care insurance or other financial resources.
Visitation rules differ by state and facility. Many allow family visits during set hours, with flexibility for special occasions. To stay connected, schedule regular visits, use technology for video calls, and participate in resident activities when possible. Ask the facility about any COVID‑19 or other health‑related restrictions that might affect visitation.===
Most nursing homes have a pharmacy on site or a contract with a local pharmacy. They will review, dispense, and monitor all medications. If you wish to bring a prescription, you must provide the medication, dosage instructions, and a copy of the prescription to the facility’s pharmacist for verification and integration into the resident’s medication record.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

kontakt@hittavard.se

Ⓒ 2024. Alla rättigheter förbehålls av juxt ab

Sök
Om ossVillkor och policyVanliga frågorKontakta oss