What care is provided in a nursing home? Complete guide for families
The care provided in a nursing home is designed to meet the specific needs of residents who can no longer live independently at home. A nursing home is a place where elderly people can receive appropriate medical care while benefiting from a comfortable and secure living environment.
Personal and daily care
Personal care is essential to ensure the well-being and health of residents. It includes assistance with:
- Washing and bathing (showers, bed baths)
- Dressing and undressing
- Continence support and toileting
- Medication administration (oral, injectable, topical)
- Meal assistance and feeding for residents who cannot eat unaided
- Mobility support (transfers, walking, wheelchair assistance)
These care services are provided by a team of professionals trained to look after elderly people. Residents are also assisted with daily life activities such as meals, outings and leisure, ensuring a normal rhythm of life adapted to their capabilities.
Medical and nursing care
Medical care is fundamental in a nursing home. Residents have access to healthcare professionals such as:
- Registered nurses — monitor health status, administer treatments, manage wounds, coordinate with families
- Doctors (resident or visiting) — prescribe treatments, monitor chronic conditions, manage acute episodes
- Physiotherapists — physical rehabilitation, mobility maintenance, fall prevention
- Speech therapists — for swallowing difficulties and communication issues
- Psychologists — emotional support, cognitive stimulation, support for dementia
Doctors are responsible for monitoring the health of residents and prescribing the necessary treatments. Nurses monitor residents’ health status and assist them with daily care. Physiotherapists are in charge of physical rehabilitation, which is essential to maintain mobility and prevent falls.
Specialised care
Many nursing homes offer specialised care for:
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease — secure units, cognitive stimulation, environment design
- Parkinson’s disease — specific physiotherapy, medication management
- Chronic conditions — diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, COPD
- Palliative care — end-of-life support, pain management, family support
- Post-hospital recovery — short-stay rehabilitation after surgery or illness
Social and well-being activities
Beyond medical care, nursing homes offer a range of activities that contribute to the quality of life and dignity of residents:
- Cognitive stimulation workshops (memory games, reading groups)
- Gentle exercise (chair yoga, balance classes, walking groups)
- Creative workshops (painting, music, gardening)
- Cultural outings (museums, restaurants, gardens)
- Religious and spiritual support for residents who request it
- Intergenerational events with local schools or community groups
Quality of care in Tunisia
In Tunisian nursing homes, the care provided meets international standards. Multidisciplinary teams combine clinical expertise with the warmth of Mediterranean hospitality. Medical staff are often trained in France, the UK or other European countries, and many residences have:
- 24-hour nursing presence
- On-call doctor service
- Specialist consultations on request (cardiology, neurology, geriatrics)
- Access to nearby hospitals and clinics for emergencies and specialist procedures
For chronic conditions or post-hospital recovery, Tunisian establishments offer high-quality care at costs 50 to 70 % below European rates, with multilingual teams (French, English, Arabic) facilitating communication with international families.