All New Jersey nursing homes are licensed by the Department of Health and Senior Services. Nursing homes that also participate in the federal Medicare program are called Skilled Nursing Facilities. Those that participate only in the Medicaid program are called Nursing Facilities. Most nursing homes participate in both of these programs. Medicaid and Medicare certified facilities must meet federal and state standards to operate in New Jersey.
All nursing homes meet the needs of residents who require minimal nursing services.
Some nursing homes provide more comprehensive care, such as nasogastric tube feeding or oxygen therapy. Sometimes residents must be transferred from one nursing home to another if their medical condition changes and the first facility is no longer able to provide the type of care they need. A number of facilities have approval from the Department of Health and Senior Services or a contract with the Medicaid program to accept individuals whose age or condition requires specialized services and equipment . This type of specialized care may be provided to individuals who are comatose, or require respirators, or have suffered brain injury. Special units have also been established at some nursing homes for young adults and children who need long term care.