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 Georgia, nursing homes are regulated by the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) through the Healthcare Facility Regulation division (HFR), which ensures that nursing homes comply with state and federal regulations. These facilities provide residential living and medical care for individuals who require regular medical attention but not the acute care of a hospital. Nursing homes in Georgia typically have a staff that includes nursing aides, LVNs, LPNs, and RNs available around the clock. Special care units for residents with conditions like Alzheimer's disease are available in some facilities, and accommodations for couples to live together can also be found. While the majority of nursing home residents are elderly, these facilities are also available to other adults needing 24-hour care. The state ensures that nursing homes meet certain standards for staffing, patient care, and residents' rights to maintain the health, safety, and welfare of residents.