Nursing facilities, also known as long term care or nursing homes, provide care 24 hours a day for seniors who can no longer live independently. Physicians are on call, licensed nurses are on duty 24 hours a day under the supervision of a registered nurse, and nurse aids assist residents with personal daily care and medications also under the supervision of licensed nurses. Nursing facilities are state-licensed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Meal plans, housekeeping, medical services and planned recreational activities are provided for residents.

The term “Skilled Nursing Facility” is used by Medicare to describe nursing homes that are certified to provide a fairly intensive level of care to Medicare patients.