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 Maine, nursing homes are regulated by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), particularly the Division of Licensing and Certification. These facilities are required to comply with both state statutes and federal regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. Maine nursing homes must have adequate staff, including nursing aides, LVNs, LPNs, and RNs, available 24 hours a day to meet the residents' medical and personal care needs. Special care units for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other serious memory conditions must meet additional requirements to provide appropriate care. Maine law also allows for couples to reside together in nursing homes, provided their needs can be accommodated. The state ensures that nursing homes adhere to standards regarding resident care, rights, and quality of life. Nursing home residents in Maine include not only older adults but also younger individuals with conditions that require round-the-clock care.