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 Illinois, nursing homes are regulated by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), which ensures that these facilities comply with state and federal laws designed to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents. Nursing homes in Illinois are required to provide 24-hour nursing services, which include the availability of nursing aides, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Registered Nurses (RNs). They must adhere to specific staffing ratios and are subject to regular inspections to ensure quality of care. Special care units for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia must meet additional requirements to address the unique needs of these individuals. Illinois law also allows for couples to reside together in nursing homes, provided their needs can be accommodated. The rights of residents, including the right to receive appropriate care and live in a safe environment, are protected under Illinois statutes, and nursing homes must operate in a manner that respects these rights.