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 Arizona, nursing homes are regulated by both state statutes and federal law to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. These facilities, also known as skilled nursing facilities, provide 24-hour medical care and assistance with daily activities to individuals who do not require hospitalization but cannot be cared for at home. Arizona's Department of Health Services (DHS) licenses and inspects nursing homes to ensure compliance with state regulations, which cover staffing requirements, resident care standards, and facility operations. Nursing homes in Arizona must have a sufficient number of qualified staff, including nursing aides, LVNs, LPNs, and RNs, to meet the needs of residents. Special care units for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia are also regulated to provide appropriate care and a safe environment. Additionally, federal regulations under the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) set nationwide standards for nursing homes that receive Medicare or Medicaid funding. These regulations include residents' rights, quality of care, and facility practices. Couples in Arizona nursing homes may live together if the facility can accommodate their needs while ensuring proper care.