As the population ages, the need for specialized residential senior care solutions is growing. Nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities, are vital in providing medical care and daily living assistance for seniors who can no longer live independently due to their physical or cognitive health. Here, we explain the details of nursing homes so you can decide if it is the right senior living solution for you or a loved one.

Know the specific senior care regulations in your area

It’s critical to know that senior care facility rules and requirements can vary based on state-level regulations and even facility-specific policies. The information below is common to many states, though it may vary slightly in your specific area. When possible, we offer examples of certain state guidelines to help provide you with a frame of reference. You can learn more about the rules and regulations that apply to your state and the facilities you’re interested in by contacting your local Oasis Senior Advisor.

On this page:
Nursing home definition
Services offered at nursing homes
Nursing home eligibility and admission criteria
Amenities, living arrangements, and community life
Benefits of nursing homes
Nursing homes vs. other senior care options
Choosing a nursing home
Transitioning to a nursing home
Residents rights and regulations
Nursing home costs

What is a nursing home?

A nursing home is a residential facility that provides around-the-clock medical care, supervision, and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) for ill, disabled, or aging individuals who need to receive long-term care. By combining personal care and medical care services under one roof, nursing homes cater to residents with diverse health and wellness needs.

Is a nursing home like a skilled nursing facility?

Nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities are actually the same type of facility. “Nursing home” might be used more often when describing a community where someone moves to receive long-term care. You might hear the term “skilled nursing facility” used more often when referring to when a person stays for a limited time (a few weeks, usually) to receive skilled nursing care or rehabilitation after hospitalization for an injury, illness, or surgery. You may tour a facility that accepts patients for short-term rehabilitation and also has residents to receive long-term care.

What is it like inside a nursing home?

Nursing homes have structured environments focused on residents’ safety and comfort. The environment may seem more clinical than that of an assisted living facility due to the level and type of care provided there. Inside the typical nursing home, you’ll find:

• Private and shared rooms.
• Common areas for activities, recreation, and dining.
• Features that enhance resident safety, security, and accessibility.

Services offered at nursing homes

Nursing homes provide various services tailored to meet their residents’ complex needs. Those services include:

• Personal care: Assistance with ADLs, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
• Skilled medical care: Tending to a resident’s medical needs, such as providing wound care, feeding tube care, pain management, and injections, among others.
• Medication management and administration: Ensuring residents take medications as prescribed, administering certain medications, and monitoring potential side effects.
• Rehabilitation services: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy to help residents regain independence or improve function.
• 24-hour supervision: Trained staff available around the clock to ensure safety and respond to emergencies.

While the base monthly cost of a nursing home includes many services and amenities, residents may be required to pay extra for additional amenities and services, which may include:

• Private rooms: These rooms usually come at a premium.
• Specialized therapy: Some advanced therapies or wellness programs may cost more.

A multidisciplinary team of professionals addresses nursing home residents’ needs and preferences. Team members may include:

• Registered nurses (RNs): RNs supervise nursing care and medication administration.
• Licensed practical nurses (LPNs): LPNs assist with personal care and health monitoring.
• Certified nursing assistants (CNAs): CNAs provide ADL assistance and basic care.
• Therapists: These professionals support resident rehabilitation through physical, speech, and occupational therapy.
• Social workers: These professionals address emotional and psychosocial needs.
• Dietitians: These professionals help with nutritional needs.

How is medical care managed in a nursing home?

Nursing homes use a coordinated approach involving in-house staff and external health care providers to manage residents’ medical care. While coordinating with families, health care teams create individualized care plans that outline treatment and ongoing medical monitoring based on each resident’s needs. Families have a voice in care planning decisions, elevating their roles in a loved one’s nursing home experience. 

In addition to the medical services listed above, residents can typically access:

• Attending physicians: Regular visits from doctors who assess and treat residents as needed.
• Specialty services: Routine visits from podiatrists, psychiatrists, and other specialists, although some services may be scheduled off-site.
• Ancillary medical services: Additional services such as transportation. Nursing homes provide regular health assessments and basic chronic disease management, but certain diagnostic tests, like MRIs or CT scans, may require transportation to an outside facility.

Nursing home eligibility and admission criteria

As we discuss the criteria for admission to this type of senior care community, keep in mind that eligibility requirements can vary from state to state and facility to facility. Some regulations are left to the state to decide, so while one facility in your state may have a certain rule, another facility’s requirement may be different. There are many admission rules, so you’ll want to talk with your Oasis Senior Advisor to learn the specific rules that apply to the facility you’re interested in.

While eligibility and admission criteria vary by state, most nursing homes accept individuals who demonstrate the need for substantial assistance with ADLs or significant medical care. Candidates for nursing home admission typically have significant physical or cognitive impairments that prevent them from performing personal care tasks. These individuals require what is referred to as a nursing home level of care (NHLOC). While no single nationally accepted definition of NHLOC exists, the various state-specific definitions have similar elements. Notably, individuals must require a significant level of care to the extent that they can no longer safely meet their own needs for an extended period.

The average nursing home resident’s age is around 80, though ages can range widely. Many nursing home residents come directly from hospitals or rehabilitation facilities. Others may come from home or assisted living once they experience the need for a higher level of care.

How does one get admitted into a nursing home?

Moving into a nursing home usually requires these four steps:

1. Family consultation: Family members discuss their loved one’s situation with health care professionals.
2. Medical assessment: A health care professional evaluates the individual’s daily living and medical care needs.
3. Facility selection: The family researches and chooses a suitable facility.
4. Application for admission: Once an applicant has completed the necessary paperwork, the nursing home’s staff thoroughly assesses their profile for compatibility with its services.

Who decides if someone needs to live in a nursing home? 

Family members and health care providers carefully discuss the potential resident’s situation before making this determination. When there are no relatives, a social worker or care manager may be asked to evaluate the individual’s care and support needs.  

Nursing home amenities and community life

Though specifics vary by location, most nursing homes offer various amenities to enhance residents’ quality of life, which may include:

• Prepared meals.
• Recreation areas for social activities, games, or entertainment.
• Outdoor spaces, such as enclosed courtyards and gazebos.
• On-site beauty shop and barber services.
• Exercise facilities.
• Transportation services.
• Laundry and housekeeping services.

What living arrangements are available?

Nursing homes may offer these types of living arrangements:

• Private rooms: For individuals who prefer more personal space and privacy.
• Shared rooms: A more cost-effective option that allows for roommate arrangements. There is typically a privacy curtain to separate individual spaces.
• Specialized units: Some facilities have memory care units for residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

How is resident privacy maintained?

Nursing homes prioritize resident privacy through measures that include:

• Private living spaces: Individual or semiprivate rooms help maintain personal privacy.
• Confidentiality policies and regulations: Staff members are trained to respect resident confidentiality and handle medical information with sensitivity. Nursing homes are also required by law to maintain residents’ privacy.

Do nursing homes allow pets?

Some facilities allow residents to own pets, but most do not. Nursing homes sometimes offer pet therapy programs. Applicants and families should ask about each facility’s pet policies during the search process.

Nursing home activities and community engagement opportunities

Nursing home activities are pivotal in promoting resident socialization and mental stimulation. Activity directors or designated staff members organize activities based on residents’ interests and capabilities.

Those activities may include:

• Arts and crafts: Creative projects enhance fine motor skills and promote self-expression.
• Games and puzzles: Board games, bingo, puzzles, or trivia encourage interaction and cognitive stimulation.
• Exercise classes: Gentle physical activities are tailored to residents’ abilities.
• Social events: Celebrations, holiday parties, and outings help maintain community engagement.

Families are encouraged to participate in activities and events, fostering bonding and support. Facilities often host special family-friendly events. Residents also meet with friends, volunteers, and faith leaders. These visits with others promote socialization, boost mental health, and encourage cognitive engagement. 

Benefits of nursing homes

Nursing homes provide numerous benefits, especially for residents with significant health care needs. The primary advantages of nursing home care include:

• 24-hour care: Residents receive continuous support, ensuring safety and timely medical attention.
• Social interaction: Opportunities to engage with peers foster emotional well-being.
• Rehabilitation services: Residents can access therapies that promote recovery and independence.

A nursing home stay can be notably beneficial for individuals:  

• With chronic illnesses.
• Who are recovering after surgery.
• With moderate to severe cognitive impairment.
• With family caregivers who need a break.

The ideal candidate for nursing home care may include someone:  

• Who requires substantial help with ADLs (bathing, dressing, toileting, etc.).
• With complex medical needs requiring continuous observation or treatment.
• Who lacks adequate social connections and family support.

Nursing homes vs. other senior care options: What’s the difference?

Here are key similarities and differences to consider when comparing senior care alternatives for you or a loved one.

Assisted living

Assisted living facilities cater to individuals who require some assistance with ADLs. They typically offer a more independent lifestyle with less medical supervision, although some facilities may offer some limited skilled nursing care, depending on the state and the facility. Nursing homes are for individuals with more significant medical or personal care needs, often requiring full-time skilled nursing care and ADL support.

Memory care facilities

Memory care is delivered in specialized units within nursing homes or assisted living or in stand-alone memory care facilities. This type of care focuses on residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Memory care providers create tailored programs to enhance cognitive functioning. While nursing homes can also provide memory care, it’s not their primary focus.

Independent living

Independent living is for self-reliant seniors who prefer more community engagement, with little or no outside assistance. In contrast, nursing homes are for individuals requiring substantial assistance with ADLs and around-the-clock medical supervision.

Continuing care retirement communities (CCRC)

CCRCs offer a range of living situations in a single location, from independent living to nursing home care, allowing seniors to transition as their needs change without moving to a different community. Nursing homes provide only one senior care solution: intensive medical and personal care for individuals who can no longer manage their daily routines or live independently.

Home care

Focusing primarily on companionship and ADL assistance, home care provides in-home caregivers to help clients manage their daily routines and maintain independence in their private residences. Home care is scheduled around the individual’s needs rather than giving continuous support. Nursing homes offer comprehensive, 24/7 medical care and supervision within an institutional setting, making them a better solution for individuals with significant health conditions and complex care needs.

How to choose the right facility

Potential residents and families should consider these aspects when selecting a nursing home:

• Location: How close is the facility to family and friends?
• Facility quality: Do reviews, surveys, and state inspection reports rate the facility well?
• Services and specialties: Does the nursing home offer the needed level and type of care (rehabilitation, memory care, etc.)?
• Staff-to-resident ratio: Is there adequate staffing to help ensure focused and personalized attention?

Additionally, finding the right nursing home may involve:

• Seeking referrals: Ask health care providers, community organizations, or peers for recommendations.
• Utilizing online resources: Find websites that compare nursing homes based on criteria like ratings and services.
• Visiting the facility: Tour each facility to assess the environment and meet the staff.

Families can learn more about nursing homes by:

• Talking to a local senior living advisor who is familiar with your area’s facilities and can help you select the one that meets your needs and budget.
• Consulting local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs).
• Visiting Medicare.gov.
• Speaking with health care professionals.

When touring a nursing home, families should:

1. Schedule an appointment: Plan the visit when staff will be available to provide thorough information.
2. Prepare questions: Make a list of questions about the facility and care. Ask about care plans, activities, daily routines, and other considerations.
3. Observe the environment: Note the facility’s cleanliness, safety measures, atmosphere, and staff interactions with residents.
4. Meet the staff: Speak with caregivers to gauge their experience, training, and approach to care.

Transitioning to a nursing home: Tips and strategies for families

While many new nursing home residents come from hospitals, others transition from private residences and assisted living facilities. This transition can be a challenge for some. Here’s how families can help a loved one feel more at home during the transition:

• Personalize their space: Incorporate familiar items, photos, or decorations to create a comforting environment.
• Encourage them to engage in activities: Participating in community activities and events will allow them to meet other residents and promote friendships.
• Establish routines: Creating daily schedules for meals and activities can enhance familiarity and comfort.
• Stay connected: Regular visits and phone calls can help maintain ties with loved ones and restore their peace of mind.

Resident rights and regulations

Nursing homes are regulated at the federal and state levels. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) oversees facilities on the federal level, and individual states also regulate them and enforce standards. Some states may have different additional laws, so regulations may vary.

Who sets and monitors nursing home standards?

Federal regulations outline the standards for nursing home care, and state laws and licensing requirements govern facility operations, including resident care. These combined regulations encompass everything from staff qualifications and resident rights to care quality.

These regulations are in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 42, which outlines standards for nursing facilities participating in Medicare and Medicaid. Additionally, state agencies publish guidelines specific to their nursing homes, which means additional regulations may vary.

How do nursing homes ensure resident safety?

Nursing homes and regulators have these measures to prioritize their residents’ safety:

• Regular inspections: State and federal agencies conduct unannounced surveys to evaluate compliance with safety and care standards.
• Staff training: Employees receive training on safety protocols, emergency procedures, and resident care to minimize risks and enhance residents’ safety.
• Facility design: Facilities have numerous safety and accessibility features, including handrails, secure entries and exits, and ramps, to minimize the likelihood of accidents and unauthorized access.

Who manages a nursing home’s day-to-day operations?

An administrator oversees a nursing home’s daily operations. They manage staff, resident care, and facility compliance. Administrators meet with nurses, CNAs, social workers, and other professionals to optimize care and staff efficiency.

Nursing home staff qualifications

Staff requirements and ratios can vary from state to state. The titles for the roles and positions that the caregivers, staff members, and other professionals hold may also vary. However, here we will go over the typical qualifications and training that nursing home staff must meet and complete.

You’ll typically find these highly qualified professionals working in the average nursing home:

• Nursing staff: Registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) must have valid licenses, often requiring the completion of accredited nursing programs.
• Certified nursing assistants (CNAs): CNAs complete training programs and pass competency exams for certification.
• Specialized therapists: Physical, occupational, and speech therapists generally hold relevant master’s or doctoral degrees and licenses to practice in their respective states.
• Administrator: A licensed nursing home administrator (LNHA) is the community leader who has a degree in health care or another relevant subject and has passed a stringent LNHA exam. They are in good standing with their professional regulatory board.

Nursing homes play a vital role in the health care continuum, offering specialized, around-the-clock care and assistance for residents with complex needs. Knowing the details of what nursing homes are and how they operate empowers families to make informed senior care decisions, ensuring their aging loved ones receive the compassionate nursing care, support, and socialization they deserve.

How much does a nursing home stay cost?

The cost of senior care can be challenging to pinpoint for multiple reasons. First, geographic location has a major influence on the monthly cost. A facility’s services, amenities, and features also play a role in the price point. With this in mind, we’re using Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey to provide national median costs. This recurring survey polls thousands of facilities throughout the United States, offering helpful information on costs. While your state’s average could be lower than the national median, the facility of your choosing could be more; this, however, is a helpful starting point for you to have a frame of reference.

The average cost for nursing home care can vary significantly based on facility location and type. According to Genworth’s annual Cost of Care Survey, the median monthly cost of a semiprivate nursing home room in the U.S. is over $8,000. The median cost for a private room is almost $10,000 per month.

Costs associated with nursing home care

Nursing home costs reflect the level of care and services provided. The base monthly rate typically covers the following:

• Room and board.
• Basic medical care and monitoring.
• Personal care assistance with ADLs.
• Meals and dietary services.

Additional fees may apply for:

• Private rooms.
• Specialized therapies.
• Additional comfort provisions (cable television, special dietary requests, etc.).

How to pay for nursing home care

Payment options to fund nursing home care include:  

• Private pay, such as retirement savings or the proceeds from a home sale.
• Medicaid.
• Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, especially the Aid and Attendance benefit.
• Long-term care insurance (LTCi).
• Life insurance settlements.

Does Medicare cover nursing home care?

Medicare may cover short-term skilled nursing facility care under certain conditions. While Medicare does not provide long-term care coverage, it does cover short-term stays (up to 100 days) in skilled nursing facilities following a hospital stay of three or more days.

Does Medicaid cover nursing home care?

Medicaid can cover nursing home care for eligible low-income individuals. However, coverage can vary by state, making it essential to consult your local Medicaid office for specific eligibility requirements.

If you’re ready to search for the right community or still need to figure out which type of senior living will meet your needs, talk with a local senior living advisor to learn your options.