older people’s health issues
Nursing Homes
Introduction
Nursing homes are for people who need help with health care for chronic conditions but do not need to be hospitalized. The decision to move to a nursing home may be triggered by a change in circumstances. A disorder may suddenly worsen, or an injury may occur. Function may deteriorate suddenly or slowly but steadily. Family circumstances may change, making care at home difficult. “Nursing home” is sometimes used as a general term for any long-term care facility. But it specifically refers to facilities licensed by the state that can provide both basic and skilled nursing care. “Skilled” indicates that some of the care included can be provided only by trained health care practitioners. “Nursing” indicates that nurses provide most of the care in the facility. Nurses give residents their medications, monitor disorders, supervise treatments, consult with doctors about care, and organize most of the activities in the nursing home. The nursing staff includes registered nurses (the most highly trained), licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, and a director of nursing, who oversees nursing care in the home. 