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 Kansas, nursing homes are regulated by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS). These facilities are designed to provide residential living and medical care for individuals who require consistent medical attention but not the level of care provided by hospitals. Kansas nursing homes typically staff nursing aides, LVNs, LPNs, and RNs to ensure 24-hour medical supervision and care. Special care units are available in some facilities for residents with severe memory conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, Kansas regulations may permit couples to reside together in nursing homes. While the majority of residents are elderly, nursing homes also cater to other adults needing round-the-clock care. State statutes and federal laws, including the Nursing Home Reform Act under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987, set forth standards for quality of care, residents' rights, and staffing requirements to ensure the health and safety of all residents.