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 South Carolina, nursing homes are regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), which ensures that these facilities comply with state and federal laws. These regulations cover staffing, which mandates that nursing homes have sufficient nursing staff to provide 24-hour care, including nursing aides, LVNs, LPNs, and RNs. The state requires that nursing homes meet specific standards for resident care, safety, and rights. Special care units for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other serious memory conditions must also adhere to additional regulations to ensure appropriate care. Furthermore, South Carolina law allows for the accommodation of couples in nursing homes, provided the facility can meet their needs. The regulations are designed to protect the well-being and dignity of all residents, regardless of age, who require long-term care and medical attention.