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 Tennessee, nursing homes are regulated by the Tennessee Department of Health, which ensures that these facilities comply with state statutes and federal laws. Nursing homes are required to provide a certain standard of care, which includes having a staff of nursing aides, LVNs, LPNs, and RNs available 24 hours a day to meet the medical needs of residents. The state also mandates specific staffing ratios and qualifications for staff members. Additionally, Tennessee nursing homes must adhere to regulations concerning the rights and well-being of residents, including the provision of special care units for individuals with conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Couples are generally allowed to live together in nursing homes if they both meet the admission criteria. The state conducts regular inspections and assessments to ensure compliance with all regulations, and facilities must correct any deficiencies identified during these inspections. Nursing home residents in Tennessee include not only older adults but also younger individuals who require round-the-clock care.