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 Massachusetts, nursing homes are regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and must comply with both 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 MA are staffed with various levels of nursing personnel, including nursing aides, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), and Registered Nurses (RNs), who are 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 are also possible in certain nursing homes. While the majority of residents are elderly, nursing homes also serve other adults in need of 24-hour care. The state ensures that nursing homes meet specific standards for care, staffing, and resident rights to maintain a safe and adequate environment for all residents.