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 Washington State, nursing homes are regulated to ensure they provide a safe and caring environment for residents who require regular medical attention but not the intensive care of a hospital. These facilities typically have a range of medical staff including nursing aides, LVNs, LPNs, and RNs available around the clock. Washington State also requires nursing homes to comply with both state and federal regulations, which cover aspects such as staffing, resident care, medication management, and facility standards. Special care units for individuals with conditions like Alzheimer’s disease are available in some facilities, reflecting the state's commitment to cater to the diverse needs of all residents. Additionally, Washington's laws allow for the accommodation of couples in nursing homes, recognizing the importance of maintaining relationships in a residential care setting. The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) oversees the licensing and inspection of nursing homes to ensure compliance with these regulations.