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Nursing homes support individuals with specialized or constant care needs. They offer a safe space for both short-term and long-term care and rehabilitation.

In 2022, KFF estimated there were 1.16 million people in nursing homes. That number is only expected to grow as the aging population increases. But what makes nursing homes so useful for so many people? 

Today, we'll answer that question as we explore one of the most popular types of care facilities. LTC News strives to help everyone make more informed decisions about long-term care by delivering accurate, reliable, and up-to-date information.

Below, we'll help you understand the bigger picture of nursing homes through several important topics: 

• What are nursing homes, and what services do they offer?
• How are nursing homes different from other care services, like skilled nursing facilities or memory care?
• How much do nursing homes cost, and how can you pay for this nursing care?
• Do you or your loved one need nursing home care?
• How to find the best nursing home for you or your loved one.

What Is A Nursing Home?

Nursing homes are residential care facilities that offer round-the-clock assistance and supervision. Nursing homes are for individuals with intense long-term care needs who may not be able to get the care they need at other facilities or at home. 

Unlike many other facilities, nursing home residents are assumed to need full-time care or supervision. Many residents also regularly receive skilled nursing care, which involves help with medical services such as medication management, wound care, or injections. 

What Services Do Nursing Homes Offer?

Nursing homes and most facility care options offer basic services and amenities designed to help individuals in their daily lives. These include: 

• Help with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, transitioning, toileting, etc.).
• Meal services (provided both to the patient's room and in dining halls).
• Housekeeping services (help with chores like laundry, cleaning, cooking, etc.).
• Access to group activities and social environments.

What separates nursing homes from most facilities is their specialized care services: 

• The ability to provide constant care, support, or supervision around the clock. 
• Skilled nursing services (wound care, medication management, injections, monitoring vitals).
• Various types of therapy (physical, occupational, speech).
• Rehabilitation services.

What Do Nursing Home Living Arrangements Look Like? 

Most nursing home residents live in either a private or semi-private room. A private room is one the residents have all to themselves, while a semi-private room may be shared between two or more nursing home residents. 

Each room includes a bed, nightstand, and storage for personal belongings. Nursing home residents can access common areas like dining rooms, recreational rooms, or spaces for socializing and events. 

All nursing homes have tight security that focuses on the well-being and safety of their residents. Safety measures may include disability infrastructure, emergency call systems, camera security systems around the building, and specialized staff at all times. 

How Are Nursing Homes Different From Other Care Options?

Nursing homes are great resources for those who desperately need their services; however, only some need the intense care offered in a nursing home. That’s why it’s essential to learn about your other options for care and how they compare to nursing homes. 

Nursing Homes vs. Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs)

Nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are terms often used interchangeably to describe a high level of combined custodial and skilled care. While it's popular to see these terms used as synonyms, you should be aware of a few critical distinctions between them.

Skilled nursing facilities are generally designed for short-term, rehabilitative stays, usually following a hospitalization, surgery, injury, or acute illness. SNFs often have higher staff-to-resident ratios and aim to transition their residents to lower levels of care.

Nursing homes provide similar levels of intensive medical and custodial care to skilled nursing facilities, but they have a broader focus on both short-term and long-term treatment. Nursing homes aim to create a home-like environment for those with round-the-clock care or supervision needs that cannot be met through less intensive services like in-home care. 

That being said, many online resources use "nursing homes" and "skilled nursing facilities" interchangeably. This means it's increasingly important to speak directly with any facility you or your loved one are considering to confirm they align with and support your short-term or long-term care goals. 

Nursing Homes vs. Memory Care Facilities

Memory care is a catch-all term for several types of care used to mitigate the symptoms of cognitive conditions like dementia or Alzheimer's. Memory care happens within a stand-alone memory care facility or as a part of a memory care unit within a nursing home or assisted living facility. 

Memory care facilities or units focus exclusively on those with cognitive decline or difficulties. These facilities are designed to be as easy to navigate as possible, with extra measures to detect and prevent wandering to keep residents safe. 

So, how is memory care different from a nursing home? Well, nursing homes aren't specifically designed for those with cognitive issues. 

Nursing homes may be able to offer round-the-clock care and supervision, but they may not have the proper layout or resources to mitigate symptoms of cognitive decline. Memory care units or facilities are more equipped with specialized skill sets to handle these patients.

RELATED: Your Complete Guide To Memory Care

Nursing Homes vs. Assisted Living Facilities

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities offer a different intensity of care. They serve individuals with different care needs at different stages of the care journey. 

Assisted living facilities emphasize independence. ALF residents often live in private apartments, units, or condos. They're assumed to be able to live mostly independently while receiving intermittent care and assistance with custodial tasks or chores.

In some cases, assisted living facilities may even let a spouse who doesn't need care live with their spouse within the assisted living environment. Assisted living is flexible and customizable; it looks different for everyone. 

In contrast, nursing homes cater to individuals whose health conditions prevent independent living. These residents require continual supervision and often need specialized care services beyond what other facilities offer. 

RELATED: Assisted Living Facilities vs. Nursing Homes: What’s The Difference?

Nursing Homes vs. In-Home Care

Nursing homes and in-home care offer very different types of services for individuals with distinct care needs. 

The main difference is that nursing homes are comprehensive care facilities for individuals requiring constant supervision and specialized services due to health limitations that hinder independent living.

On the other hand, in-home care happens within the individual's home and usually only involves custodial care services. Many people receive in-home care for long periods of time before ever transferring to a care facility. It allows individuals to get their needs met while they remain in a familiar and mostly independent environment. 

According to The National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC), around 12 million Americans receive home care each year. This number is far greater than those receiving nursing home care because of home care’s flexibility and ability to help individuals with less intense care needs.

Nursing home and skilled nursing facility residents have constant care needs that a service like in-home care could not manage. In-home care is a great option for those who can still live somewhat independently but not for those who need round-the-clock care.

How Much Do Nursing Homes Cost?

Nursing home costs vary depending on many factors, including location, services, and the type of room you live in. 

In 2023, the median cost of a semi-private room in a nursing home was $8,023/month or $95,479/year. The median cost of a private room was $9,093/month or $108,199/year.

These cost estimates came from the LTC News Cost of Care Calculator. You can also utilize this calculator to discover the cost of care in your specific state and estimate costs in the future.

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It’s important to understand that location drastically impacts the costs of care. Some areas have higher care costs due to many factors, including wages or availability of care services. 

A good example of this difference is the cost of care between Texas and California, two very populous states.

In Texas, the median cost of a semi-private room is $5,219, and a private room is $7,224. In California, a semi-private room costs $9,708, and a private room costs $11,663. 

You can read our article explaining long-term care costs to learn more about how much care costs in your area and the factors that affect the cost of care. 

How To Pay For Nursing Home Care

It's no secret that nursing homes can be pricey. However, there may be some confusion about how to cover these costs. We want to shed some light on the situation. 

Many people who receive care in nursing homes do not pay the sticker price outright. In fact, there are many ways to help mitigate the cost of nursing homes, such as government assistance programs or insurance. 

RELATED: How To Pay For Long-Term Care

Long-Term Care Insurance Can Cover Nursing Home Costs

The most effective way to cover the cost of nursing homes is to use Long-Term Care Insurance. This insurance covers long-term care facilities, services, and custodial in-home care.

Instead of paying the cost of a nursing home outright, you'll pay an annual or monthly insurance premium. Then, the benefits within your policy will pay for care, keeping your monthly or annual expenses stable. 

However, you'll have to plan ahead to use LTC Insurance; you can't get coverage if you already need care. LTC News has several resources to learn more about Long-Term Care Insurance; here are a few you may want to look into:

• What Is Long-Term Care Insurance & What Does It Cover? – This article explains the basics of LTC Insurance and why it's vital to tackling care expenses later in life. 
• Can You Get LTC Insurance With Pre-Existing Conditions? – While LTC Insurance can be a great resource for many, it may be too late for some people to get coverage. Or is it? This article discusses how you can get LTC Insurance even if you have pre-existing conditions or illnesses. 
• Long-Term Care Insurance Cost: Factors, Considerations and Price Ranges. – LTC Insurance is a great way to cover long-term care costs, but how much will coverage run you? This article details how much insurance premiums will cost depending on your age, health, and other factors. 
• How To Apply For LTC Insurance. – This article explains when and how to apply for Long-Term Care Insurance and what you can do if you're not accepted the first time around. 

Does Medicaid Pay For Nursing Home Care? 

Medicaid is the biggest payer for nursing homes in the U.S. But while many people utilize it as a resource, not everyone qualifies for coverage.

You must meet Medicaid financial need requirements to be eligible for assistance. In many states, this involves meeting income and asset requirements, usually as low as $2,000.

Many people have to spend down to reach these limits. Spending down is when you spend or eliminate assets and income to meet Medicaid limits. You cannot gift items or income to meet these requirements. 

Once you're eligible for Medicaid, you'll be able to receive care in a nursing home that meets federal standards.

It's also worth mentioning that Medicaid isn't completely free. Some individuals may be required to repay their expenses through estate recovery. This is when the government takes any remainder of the individual's estate after they pass away to reimburse itself for the cost of care. 

RELATED: Medicaid and IRAs: Can a Nursing Home Take Your Money and Assets?

Who Needs Nursing Homes?

Nursing homes are designed for individuals whose care needs cannot be met by other facilities. Someone might need a nursing home if they have round-the-clock or constant care or supervision needs. 

Your loved one may need nursing home care when they become unable to live independently in any capacity or when their current care situation is unable to meet their needs. 

It's also important to note that nursing homes do not have to be a permanent solution. Many people also move into a nursing home or a skilled nursing facility temporarily to recover from an injury, surgery, or temporary condition. 

Nursing homes are a very versatile option, serving individuals with a variety of conditions who may have similar needs. 

Individuals may sometimes need a skilled nursing facility or a nursing home because they rely on Medicaid to cover their expenses. Often, Medicaid only pays for care delivered in a federally qualified skilled nursing facility or nursing home, forcing these people into facilities, even if skilled nursing care may not be the best option for their needs.

RELATED: Who Needs Long-Term Care?

Transitioning a Loved One to a Nursing Home

Transitioning a loved one to a nursing home or skilled nursing facility can be a challenging but important step in ensuring their well-being. Start by having open conversations with your loved one about their needs and concerns. 

Once you've moved past the conversation stage and into planning, you should visit potential facilities together to get a feel for the environment and the care provided. 

It's vital to listen to your loved one's concerns about the new living environment and their preferences. Finding the right facility won't be a walk in the park, but this task could be made easier with LTC News's Long-Term Care Directory, which can help you compare all the options in your area. 

When the time comes to move in, help your loved one personalize their new space by bringing familiar items from home. Stay involved in their care by communicating regularly with the nursing home staff and participating in care planning meetings.

It's normal for both you and your loved one to have mixed emotions during this transition. Be patient and offer reassurance, emphasizing that the decision is made with their best interests in mind. 

Providing ongoing support and staying engaged in their new environment can help ease the transition and ensure your loved one feels supported and cared for in their new home.

What To Look For In A Nursing Home?

Choosing the right nursing home is key to ensuring your loved one's happiness. But it's not always easy to choose the right facility. Some facilities may look great on paper but pale in comparison in person. 

Below, we've put together a list of questions you may want to ask and things to look out for when visiting a nursing home: 

• Are residents well groomed? – This may indicate how well the staff treats residents. 
• How long does it take for staff to help a resident with bathroom breaks or bathing? – One of the last things you want is to wait long before getting to the bathroom. 
• Are meals delivered on a timely basis?
• Does the facility offer the services or amenities you or your loved one need?
• Are the views and surrounding area nice? – While it's important for the facility itself to be nice on the inside, it's equally important for the surroundings to provide tranquility. You wouldn't want your loved one to feel unsafe or stressed during their outdoor time. 
• Is it close to family doctors or hospitals? Does the facility have an arrangement with a nearby hospital?
• Is there a religious affiliation?
• Are there any language or cultural barriers? 
• Are visiting hours and times flexible?
• What safety features does the facility have?
• How are their online reviews?
• Do the residents seem happy?
• Do the staff seem happy and kind?
• What's the staff-to-resident ratio?
• Are there any miscellaneous fees or charges on care services or amenities? 
• Does this nursing home provide the services you need (ex. memory care)?

Next Steps: Find Nursing Homes Near You

Choosing the right nursing home near you involves careful consideration and research. Prioritize your loved one's comfort, safety, and specific care needs to ensure they receive the best possible care in a nurturing environment.

But how exactly can you find a nursing home that checks all your boxes? Besides following the steps above, you can also use your local and online resources to your advantage. 

LTC News Long-Term Care Directory

One of the easiest ways to research options near you or a loved one is LTC News's Long-Term Care Directory. With over 800,000 facilities to search through, this tool is guaranteed to help you discover and compare all the facilities in your area. 

Looking for care now? Find Nursing Home facilities near you

Who Are The Largest Nursing Home and Skilled Nursing Facility Providers?

You may also want to consider choosing a nationwide care facility network for your nursing home or SNF care. Here are a few of the country’s largest providers. 

• Genesis HealthCare Corp. is the leading provider of nursing home care in the U.S. They serve thousands of people with over 250 skilled nursing centers in 22 states. 
• The Ensign Group is a multifaceted company focused on providing care around the country. They have over 300 affiliates spread out across 13 states. 
• Life Care Centers of America operates 200+ care facilities in 27 states. 
• ProMedica Senior Care is headquartered in Ohio and operates various types of facilities in 26 states. 
• Brookdale Senior Living offers several skilled nursing facilities for elderly individuals. They operate in 41 states, helping thousands of people each year. 

Additional Reading: Resources To Continue Learning About Nursing Homes

If you still need more information to make your decision, we also have several general resources that may be of use or interest:

• Nursing Homes Are Evolving to Meet the Needs of an Aging Population
• Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse: How to Spot the Signs and Get Help
• 4 Ways to Keep Your Loved One Happy in a Nursing Home or Assisted Living
• Medicaid and IRAs: Can a Nursing Home Take Your Money and Assets?
• Finding the Best Nursing Home Near You in 2024

If you believe a nursing home is the best fit after reading this article, then don’t be afraid to take the next step with the LTC News Long-Term Care Directory. This resource can be an excellent way to kickstart care for you or your loved one and find a nursing home near you.