A nursing home, sometimes referred to as a skilled nursing facility, provides specialized care to individuals who need long-term care to recover from stroke or surgery, or ongoing care for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. Nursing home residents typically don't require the level of care of a hospital, but are also not able to be cared for at home. Nursing homes typically employ skilled nurses and nursing aides who are available both day and night to residents.
Nursing homes vary in terms of how they are set up:
Like a Hospital - Some nursing homes are set up similar to a hospital. Staff members provide occupational, speech and physical therapy, as well as medical care. Each floor may have a nurses' station.
Like a Home - Some nursing homes are set up to feel more like home. In these cases, there typically isn't a fixed schedule, and a focus is placed on creating more of a neighborhood feel. Residents here may also be able to access kitchen areas.
The living situation varies from home to home. In some cases, residents may live in a private setting. In other cases, residents may live in shared accommodations. Patients may share bathrooms in some cases. Sometimes, couples may be able to live together. Typically meals are served in a cafeteria or dining room.
Depending on the location, doctors may or may not visit patients on-site. Alternately, residents may visit doctor's in their own office. Some nursing homes have special care units for individuals with conditions such as Alzheimer's or dementia.
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