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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 an assisted living community.
Activities of daily living include bathing, dressing, and meal preparation but may also
extend to assistance with transportation, paying bills, making appointments, and simply
being there to provide companionship and emotional support. Home care services are
available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can be paid for directly by the client or
through a variety of public and private funding sources such as Long Term Care Insurance,
Workers Compensation, and Medicaid.
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 the facility.
The average cost of care for nursing home care ranges between $6000 and $10,000 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.
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