Nursing Facilities

The major providers of long-term care services are nursing facilities. These facilities are designed for those persons unable to care for themselves, who may require special nursing or rehabilitative care and other supervised needs.

Nursing facilities provide skilled nursing care services on a 24-hour basis. These are procedures requiring the professional skills of a registered or a licensed practical nurse, including administering and monitoring medications, injections, catheterizations, and similar procedures ordered by the attending physician. Post-hospital stroke, heart or orthopedic care are available, with related services such as physical, occupational and speech therapy, dental services, dietary consultation, laboratory and x-ray services available. The emphasis in a nursing facility is on rehabilitative nursing care, with restorative, physical, occupational and other therapies also provided.

Personal care services such as help in walking, getting in and out of bed, bathing, dressing and eating, and the preparation of special diets as prescribed by a physician are also in the scope of nursing facility services.

Many nursing facilities serve special populations, such as patients with Alzheimer's disease, AIDS, or others requiring specialized services.

All nursing facilities in Idaho must be licensed by the state. Participation in the Medicaid and Medicare programs (or Certification) is voluntary. Except for Idaho's State Veterans' Homes, all nursing facilities in Idaho are certified for either Medicaid or Medicare, most are certified for both Medicaid and Medicare.

Nursing facility care can be paid by the individual, and may be funded by the Medicaid or Medicare programs or through private long-term care insurance.