Reality: A nursing facility is not a hospital. Many people enter a nursing facility after a hospital stay and tend to think of the nursing facility as an extension of hospital care. However, a nursing facility is much different. Medical, rehabilitative and nursing care is provided as needed by health care professionals and dedicated caregivers. Yet at the same time, nursing facilities try to be homes - where people can feel comfortable, find familiar faces, and continue life's activities appropriate to their age and capabilities.

Nursing facilities do not have restrictive visiting hours like hospitals. Family members and friends are encouraged to visit. Whenever possible, patients eat in dining rooms rather than in their rooms. Various activities and outings are offered each day to stimulate and entertain patients mentally, physically and socially.