What Is a Nursing Home?
A nursing home, also known as a skilled nursing facility, is a licensed senior care community that provides 24/7 medical and personal care for elderly adults. Nursing homes deliver the highest level of care available outside a hospital, serving both long-term residents and short-term rehab patients.
These facilities are ideal for seniors who need continuous supervision due to chronic illnesses, mobility issues, or cognitive decline. Many residents are unable to eat independently, manage personal hygiene, or transfer from bed to wheelchair without full-time staff support.
Who Needs Nursing Home Care?
Nursing home residents typically have serious physical or mental health conditions that require round-the-clock skilled care. These individuals are often no longer eligible for assisted living or memory care due to:
Inability to safely move or lift themselves
Severe incontinence
Advanced dementia or Alzheimer’s
Daily medical needs requiring licensed nursing care
If your loved one needs constant clinical support and personal care, a nursing home may be the most appropriate and safest environment.
Nursing Homes and Short-Term Rehabilitation
Nursing homes also play a critical role in post-hospitalization care. Many facilities offer short-term rehabilitation for seniors recovering from:
Surgery
Falls or fractures
Stroke
Serious illness
These skilled rehab services are focused on helping seniors regain mobility, strength, and independence so they can return home safely.
How Nursing Homes Differ from Other Senior Living Options
Unlike independent living, assisted living, or memory care, nursing homes provide a higher level of medical care and are staffed with licensed nurses, therapists, and caregivers 24/7. Some other terms used for nursing homes include:
Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs)
Care Homes
Long-Term Care Facilities
Skilled Rehab Centers
How to Find a Nursing Home
Searching for the right nursing home can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to look for helps make the process easier. Follow these steps:
Assess your loved one’s care needs – medical, physical, and emotional.
Compare nursing home services and ratings in your area.
Tour multiple facilities to get a feel for the environment, staff, and residents.
Ask key questions about staffing levels, activities, care plans, and medical services.
Verify certifications and licensing – especially if using Medicare or Medicaid.
Check ratings on trusted platforms like the Medicare Nursing Home Compare tool.
👉 Need help getting started? Use our tools to compare top-rated nursing homes near you.
Nursing Home Costs and How to Pay
Because of the medical supervision and skilled care involved, nursing homes are typically more expensive than assisted living or memory care. In many areas, nursing home costs can be twice as much as other types of senior housing.
Payment Options for Nursing Homes:
Medicare: May cover short-term rehabilitation after a hospital stay (up to 100 days).
Medicaid: May help cover long-term care costs for those who qualify.
Veterans Benefits: VA programs may offer support for eligible seniors.
Social Security Income (SSI): Can contribute to ongoing living expenses.
Private Pay: Families often use savings, pensions, or long-term care insurance for extended stays.
Understanding how to pay for nursing home care early can help families plan ahead and avoid financial stress during a crisis.
Ready to Explore Nursing Homes Near You?
At AssistedLivin.com, we help you navigate every step of the journey—from understanding your options to touring the best facilities in your area.
✅ Compare top-rated nursing homes
✅ Learn about cost and insurance coverage
✅ Get personalized guidance for your situation