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 Rhode Island, nursing homes are regulated to ensure they provide a safe and healthy environment for residents who require regular medical attention but not the intensive care of a hospital. These facilities 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. Rhode Island law mandates that nursing homes comply with both state and federal regulations, which cover aspects such as staffing ratios, quality of care, residents' rights, and facility operations. Special care units for individuals with conditions like Alzheimer’s disease are available in some nursing homes, addressing the need for specialized attention. Additionally, provisions exist that may allow couples to reside together in a nursing home setting. The Rhode Island Department of Health is the primary agency responsible for licensing and inspecting nursing homes to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.