A Nursing Facility (NF) or Nursing Home is a residence where individuals have a room, meals, and assistance with activities of daily living. Unlike an ALF, residents of an NF must have a medical condition that requires care that must be provided by trained and licensed individuals. Residents must also require medical or nursing services that: (1) are ordered by a physician; (2) are dependent upon the individual’s documented medical conditions; (3) require skills of a registered or licensed vocational nurse; (4) are provided either directly by or under the supervision of a licensed nurse in a facility; and (5) are required on a regular basis.
NFs provide a higher level of medical care than is available in other long-term care settings. Nursing care is delivered by trained and licensed healthcare professionals, including Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). Many NFs often provide additional services through respiratory therapists, nurse practitioners, as well as unlicensed support staff to assist with activities of daily living.
NF residents require close medical supervision because of illness, frequent medication administration, and/or medical interventions that can only be administered by licensed healthcare professionals. NFs also routinely care for patients with dementia, Alzheimer’s and other conditions that necessitate careful and close around-the-clock supervision.
While NFs do indeed offer in-depth medical care, they are very different from hospitals. Facilities offer their residents many comforts of home and a less-structured atmosphere. They promote and emphasize autonomy and choice among their residents, and offer a variety of services, social activities and recreational opportunities. Residents and their families have the opportunity to customize daily activities and routines, and are encouraged to continue social activities and personal interests. Nursing facilities are resident- and community-focused. Dining rooms, activities, outings and companionship offer residents and patients mental, physical and social stimulation.
24-hour nursing care planned by a team of concerned medical professionals.
Greatly reduces the chance of accidents such as falls or fires; each facility provides a preventative safety management program.
Helps assure that medications are taken as prescribed, personal hygiene is attended to, meals are eaten and other daily needs are met.
Meals, medication, social activities and other daily events are scheduled giving organization and structure to the day.
Residents have the opportunity to interact with other people similar in age and to participate in a variety of activities designed to meet their special needs. Payment for NF services may be private pay, insurance, and if the resident is a qualified beneficiary, Medicaid. For more information on Texas Medicaid eligibility, please click here.