Nursing homes have changed dramatically over the past several decades. Today’s nursing homes are highly regulated, high-quality institutions for the care and treatment of older adults who have severe physical health and/or mental disabilities.

Almost half of all people who live in nursing homes are 85 years or older. Relatively few residents are younger than 65 years.

Some type of disability or impairment with activities of daily living is the most common reason that older people live in nursing homes.