Nursing home

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Convalescent home)

Nursing Home

A Nursing home (also known as a skilled nursing facility, long-term care facility, or rest home) is a type of residential care that provides around-the-clock nursing care for elderly people or people with physical or mental disabilities.

History[edit | edit source]

The concept of nursing homes has a long history, dating back to the Roman Empire when hospitals were established for the aged and infirm. In the Middle Ages, these institutions evolved into almshouses for the poor and sick. The modern nursing home began to take shape in the 19th century with the advent of social welfare.

Types of Care[edit | edit source]

Nursing homes provide two types of care: skilled nursing care and custodial care. Skilled nursing care involves medical services provided by trained professionals, including nurses, therapists, and doctors. Custodial care involves assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, eating, and dressing.

Regulation[edit | edit source]

In many countries, nursing homes are regulated by the government. In the United States, they are overseen by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and state health departments. Regulations cover everything from staffing levels to building safety.

Challenges[edit | edit source]

Nursing homes face many challenges, including staffing shortages, financial pressures, and maintaining quality care. They also face scrutiny over issues such as elder abuse and neglect.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Nursing home Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD