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 Arkansas, nursing homes are regulated by the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS), specifically through its Office of Long Term Care (OLTC). These facilities are designed to provide residential living and medical care for individuals who do not require hospitalization but need regular medical attention. Arkansas nursing homes are staffed with nursing aides, LVNs, LPNs, and RNs to ensure 24-hour care. The state also mandates specific staffing ratios and qualifications to ensure quality care. Additionally, Arkansas nursing homes may offer specialized care units for residents with conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, and provisions are often made to accommodate couples who wish to live together. The OLTC conducts regular inspections and assessments to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, which cover aspects such as residents' rights, quality of care, and facility operations. Nursing home residents in Arkansas typically include older adults, but the facilities are also available to other adults requiring round-the-clock care.