The facilities available in nursing homes can vary.
Nursing homes are for people who can no longer take care of themselves---not only the elderly but also people with debilitating physical problems.
Medical Staff
Nursing homes have nurses and nursing assistants available every day of the week, 24 hours a day. Residents also get frequent visits from physicians.
Medical Care
Nursing homes can provide round-the-clock nursing care, including injections, medications, special diets, oxygen and other medical necessities.
Assisted Living Centers
Nursing homes are different from assisted living centers, which tend to be for more independent residents who do not need much medical supervision. Such facilities offer more activities and opportunities for a social life.
Cost
The cost to live in a nursing home varies according to state and facility, but the AARP reports "the average cost is more than $50,000 a year and climbing" as of 2009. Some nursing homes are certified to accept Medicare and Medicaid---insurance programs for seniors, disabled and/or low-income people.
Violations
In an article published in the September 28, 2008, edition of The New York Times, Robert Pear reports that 94 percent of U.S. for-profit nursing homes were cited for violations of federal safety and health laws in 2007.
Tags: Nursing homes