Nursing facilities and veterans’ homes

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Nursing facilities

Nursing facilities (homes) provide 24-hour care for various needs. Some nursing homes that give high-level care are called skilled nursing facilities.

What are nursing facilities (homes)?

The Oregon Department of Human Services licenses nursing facilities (homes). They must meet both federal and state regulations.

They offer:

• Twenty-four-hour nursing care
• On-site physical rehabilitation
• Recuperation after hospitalization for serious illness or surgery
• Physical rehabilitation services
• End-of-life care

Nursing facilities (homes) are most appropriate for people who need 24-hour medical oversight and a protective and structured setting. Residents may need medical care and help with their behavior that other care settings cannot give. Most residents must share their room. Space is limited, but residents are allowed to bring personal items for a more home-like atmosphere.

How do I choose a nursing facility (home)?

These facilities receive federal Medicare and Medicaid payments and are regulated by the federal government. Most states have additional regulations. The Medicare website includes a tool to compare nursing homes. It has information about every U.S. Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing home’s performance.

You may also wish to print copies of the Nursing Home Checklist to help evaluate and compare nursing homes.

Be sure to review the nursing home contract with a lawyer or other trusted advisor before signing it.

How do I pay for a nursing facility (home)?

Nursing facilities accept payment from Medicare and Medicaid. However, you must meet strict requirements in order to qualify for Medicare and Medicaid payment.

Veterans’ homes

Oregon’s only veterans’ home is located in The Dalles. It can serve up to 151 residents. The home has skilled nursing, memory care, and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitative care. Care is an earned veterans’ benefit. Veterans’ spouses and parents whose child died serving in the armed forces are also served. A second Oregon veterans’ home is being built in Lebanon. Visit the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs website to learn more.