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 Mississippi, nursing homes are regulated by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), which sets standards for the licensing and operation of these facilities to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of residents. These regulations cover staffing requirements, including the presence of nursing aides, LVNs, LPNs, and RNs, who must be available 24 hours a day to provide necessary care. Additionally, nursing homes in Mississippi may offer specialized care units for residents with conditions like Alzheimer's disease, and they often have provisions to accommodate couples living together. While the majority of nursing home residents are elderly, these facilities are also available to other adults who require constant medical care. The state ensures that nursing homes comply with both state statutes and federal laws, including the Federal Nursing Home Reform Act, which establishes a baseline for the care and rights of residents.