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 Iowa, nursing homes are regulated to ensure they provide a safe and caring environment for residents who require regular medical attention but not the intensive care of a hospital. These facilities typically have a range of medical staff on-site, including nursing aides, Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Registered Nurses (RNs), available around the clock. Iowa nursing homes may offer specialized care units for individuals with severe memory conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, the state's regulations may permit couples to reside together in a nursing home setting. While the majority of nursing home residents are elderly, these facilities are also available to other adults needing 24-hour care. Iowa's Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) Health Facilities Division is responsible for the licensure and inspection of nursing homes, ensuring compliance with state statutes and federal laws to protect the well-being of all residents.