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 West Virginia (WV), 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 on-site, including nursing aides, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Registered Nurses (RNs), to provide 24-hour care. West Virginia also mandates that nursing homes meet specific staffing ratios and adhere to quality standards. Special care units for individuals with conditions like Alzheimer’s disease are available in some facilities, addressing the need for specialized care. Additionally, WV regulations may accommodate couples who wish to live together in a nursing home setting. The state's Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) oversees the licensing and inspection of nursing homes, ensuring compliance with both state statutes and federal laws, including the Nursing Home Care Act. This oversight is crucial to protect the well-being of all residents, including the elderly and other adults who require round-the-clock care.