Medicare is national health insurance for the aged and disabled. Medicaid is a program which applies to only those who may qualify for assistance. The majority of nursing home residents receive assistance from the Medicaid program in payment of nursing home bills. Yes, the law regulates and licenses nursing homes. Important questions should be asked.
Most homes display their licenses and certificates.
Ask to see them and take time to examine them. Homes are licensed according to the kinds of services offered. An intermediate care facility is for people who need some nursing supervision in addition to help with daily living activities. A skilled nursing home is staffed to make 24-hour nursing services available to residents ill enough to require them. An intermediate personal care home is for individuals, who by reason of aging, illness, disease, or physical or mental infirmities are unable to care for themselves but require only simple nursing care.