An estimated 1.2 million older adults were living in nursing homes in 2025, with demand expected to grow as the baby boomer generation ages. Nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities, are long-term care facilities offering comprehensive medical services for those needing support with daily activities and medical care.
Types of Care and Services
According to the CDC, there are more than 15,000 nursing facilities across the country. Nursing homes provide custodial care including assistance with activities of daily living such as dressing and eating, skilled medical care with 24/7 supervision and care for chronic conditions, therapeutic services including physical and occupational therapy, and quality of life services including recreational and social activities. Short-term stays typically involve skilled medical care or rehabilitation following a hospital stay, while long-term stays serve those with advanced chronic illnesses, dementia, complex medication management needs, or inability to safely live independently.
Costs and Eligibility
The monthly median cost of a semi-private room is $9,581, and a private room is $10,798, according to CareScout’s Cost of Care survey. Medicare Part A covers short-term stays if eligibility requirements are met, but does not provide coverage for long-term stays. Medicaid is the primary payer for 63% of nursing home residents. Before admission, prospective residents undergo thorough medical evaluation using assessment tools that vary by state. Assessments typically require review and signature by a doctor and may involve a multidisciplinary team including social workers, therapists, and dietitians. Once admitted, care plans are developed and updated regularly to ensure appropriate support.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://wtop.com/news/2026/04/nursing-home-requirements-whos-eligible/