Nursing homes in the United States are specifically designed for individuals who require 24-hour supervision or assistance with daily living due to physical limitations. These facilities typically have professional nurses or nursing assistants on duty around the clock. Residents are usually elderly individuals with physical or mental disabilities (and a small number of younger individuals), particularly those who need physical, occupational, or rehabilitation therapy during their recovery from accidents or illnesses. Some nursing homes also cater to elderly individuals with special needs, such as patients with dementia. Worldway's U.S. immigration experts will guide you through nursing homes in the United States.
Based on the level of care required, nursing homes in the United States are primarily categorized into three types, from lowest to highest level of care.
1, Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF)
Residents of these nursing homes typically do not have a complete loss of self-care ability; they are elderly but not seriously ill. They do not require the high level of care provided in hospitals or specialized nursing facilities. These individuals either pay out of pocket or have their costs covered by insurance companies (such as long-term care insurance) or third parties (such as hospice care providers).
2, Assisted Living Facilities (ALF)
These nursing homes primarily serve individuals with disabilities who engage in some exercise or daily activities under guidance and assistance. While these individuals cannot live independently, they do not require 24-hour medical care. The purpose of assisted living facilities is to provide assistance while ensuring the dignity of life, with each state setting its own standards and regulations. Depending on individual cases, assisted living facilities may be funded through private pay, long-term care insurance, or Medicare, either separately or in combination.
3, Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF)
Skilled nursing facilities are funded by Medicare and Medicaid programs. Each year, a significant portion of the expenditures from these federal programs supports the care costs of the elderly and disabled. Medicare primarily serves individuals aged 65 and older who have paid Social Security taxes and Medicare premiums before retirement, while Medicaid serves those below the poverty line. These nursing homes must be certified by federal and state governments and strictly adhere to federal and state laws and regulations, undergoing regular inspections.
Nursing homes in the United States provide the most professional care outside of hospitals. In addition to medical care, they assist residents with bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting, as well as providing social and recreational activities. Statistics show that there are approximately 16,500 nursing homes in the United States, with nearly 1.8 million beds, housing about 3.5 million residents.
Below, Worldway's U.S. immigration experts will show you some aspects of skilled nursing facilities.
The exterior of a nursing home. Although regulations regarding nursing home buildings vary by state, they are typically single-story or at least low-rise structures to facilitate quick evacuation in emergencies (such as fires or earthquakes).
The lobby features a piano, which residents who enjoy playing may use during their leisure time. Additionally, some volunteers come specifically on weekends or holidays to perform for the residents.
Along the walls of the corridors, there are wide, sturdy handrails to assist residents in standing up, and there are no steps in the hallways to facilitate wheelchair access. Nursing homes with multiple floors are equipped with elevators that can accommodate wheelchairs.
Many nursing homes have at least one licensed "therapy dog" that has undergone strict training. U.S. nursing homes were among the first to use dogs in clinical therapy, as Americans generally have a strong affinity for dogs, and the joy they bring to residents is often unparalleled, sometimes providing comfort that surpasses that of visiting relatives and healthcare staff.
There is a central nursing station in the nursing home where medical records are kept. Each resident has their own doctor, who typically visits once a month unless there are special circumstances. Nursing homes have nurses or nursing assistants on duty 24 hours a day, and if any issues arise, nurses can contact doctors at any time. In emergencies, ambulances can generally transport residents to nearby hospital emergency rooms within minutes.
The dining area for residents has ample space between tables to ensure that those who need to use wheelchairs can move in and out comfortably.
Indoor activity areas allow residents to watch television, play chess, chat, and engage in crafts. Although many residents may have some degree of cognitive impairment, social activities are a fundamental human need and are very beneficial for the elderly, particularly in slowing the progression of dementia symptoms.
The physical therapy room allows many stroke or fracture patients to partially or fully regain their daily living functions under the guidance of professional therapists.
Bedrooms for two residents feature a curtain that can be drawn for privacy. Each room includes storage cabinets and a television. To prevent residents from falling out of bed, nursing homes typically provide low beds, and for those who cannot get out of bed, low tables for dining are provided.
Nursing homes allow residents to spend their later years with dignity.
