older people’s health issues
Nursing Homes
Supervision of care
Each nursing home also has a medical director, a doctor who oversees the medical care. In some nursing homes, the medical director is the only doctor who provides medical care. But in most nursing homes, several doctors, often working with nurse practitioners or physician assistants, provide care. Sometimes a doctor who has been taking care of the person before the move, perhaps their family doctor, continues to provide care. Otherwise, the person chooses or is assigned a doctor. According to federal regulations, a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant must see every nursing home resident at least once every other month. Many residents see a health care practitioner more often because they need treatment for chronic disorders or they develop additional disorders, such as infections or confusion. Some state regulations may require more frequent visits. Also, nurses may call a doctor to discuss problems and changes in treatments. However, these discussions do not count as a visit. 