A nursing home is a residential-living and medical-care facility for people who do not need the degree of medical care provided by a hospital but who need some regular medical attention. Most nursing homes have nursing aides, Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Registered Nurses (RNs) on staff and available 24 hours a day.
Some nursing homes have special care units for people with serious memory problems such as Alzheimer’s disease. And some nursing homes will allow couples to live together. Most nursing home residents are older persons but other adults who require 24-hour care may also live in nursing homes.
In Alabama, nursing homes are regulated by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) through the Bureau of Health Provider Standards. These facilities are designed to provide residential living and medical care for individuals who require regular medical attention but not the intensive services of a hospital. Nursing homes in Alabama typically have a staff that includes nursing aides, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), and Registered Nurses (RNs) who are available around the clock. Special care units for residents with conditions like Alzheimer’s disease are available in some nursing homes, addressing the needs of those with significant memory problems. Additionally, Alabama nursing homes may offer the option for couples to live together, accommodating the personal and social needs of residents. The state ensures that nursing homes comply with specific standards of care and residents' rights through regular inspections, licensing, and certification processes.