Home Care and Hospice Care industry Definitions

Nursing Home

Facility licensed by the state that provides 24-hour nursing care, room and board, and activities for convalescent residents and those with chronic and/or long-term care illnesses. One step below hospital acute care. Regular medical supervision and rehabilitation therapy are mandated to be available, and nursing homes are eligible to participate in the Medicaid program. May be referred to as Nursing Facility or Convalescent Home. See also Skilled Nursing Facility.

Nursing homes are also known as skilled nursing facilities (SNFs-pronounced “sniffs”) and convalescent homes. Nursing homes are live-in facilities that provide medical treatment prescribed by a physician.

SNFs provide twenty-four hour nursing care; rehabilitation services such as physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy; assistance with personal care activities such as eating, walking, bathing and using the toilet; coordinated management of patient care; social services; and activities.

These nursing care facilities cater to several types of patients: some patients require short-term rehab while recovering from surgery; others require long-term nursing and medical supervision. In addition, some SNFs offer specialized care programs for Alzheimer’s or other illnesses, or short-term respite care for frail or disabled persons when a family member requires a rest from providing care in the home.