What is a Nursing Home?
Today in the United States there are over 16,000 nursing homes. Nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing
facilities, are for seniors who require constant medical care and need significant assistance with the activities
of daily living. The goal of care in a nursing home is to help individuals meet their daily physical, medical,
social, and psychological needs. Nursing homes are generally stand alone facilities, but some are operated within
a hospital or a
continuing care retirement community.
Finding the right nursing home can be difficult, fill out the form below and a local Eldercare Advisor will help
guide you through the process of choosing the right home.
Residents of nursing homes generally have high care needs and complex medical conditions that require routine
skilled nursing services. Due to the constant care needs of its residents, nursing homes are required by federal
law to have a licensed nurse on duty 24 hours a day. Residents typically share a room and are served meals in a
central dining area. Residents should have the opportunity to be involved in activities that provide mental,
physical, and social stimulation. Be sure to ask about activities offered when you
tour nursing home facilities.
The average cost of care for nursing home care ranges between $4000 and $8000 per month. Cost is determined by
the level of care needed, the setting where the care is provided, and the geographic location. Due to the high
cost of care, many residents use supplemental funding from the government in the form of
Medicare and/or Medicaid.
Long-term care insurance
is another source of financing to defray the cost of nursing home care.