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 Ohio, nursing homes are regulated by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), which ensures that these facilities comply with state statutes and federal laws. Nursing homes in Ohio are required to provide a certain standard of care, which includes having a staff of nursing aides, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Registered Nurses (RNs) available 24 hours a day to meet the medical needs of residents. Ohio nursing homes must also adhere to regulations regarding resident rights, quality of care, and safety standards. Special care units for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other serious memory conditions are available in some facilities, and regulations are in place to ensure that these units provide appropriate care. Additionally, Ohio law allows for couples to reside together in a nursing home if they both meet the criteria for admission. The ODH conducts regular inspections and surveys to ensure compliance with all regulations, and nursing homes found in violation may face penalties, including fines or closure.