Just because a person has a set-back and ends up in a nursing home doesn't mean the person has to stay in the nursing home for the rest of his or her life. According to an article in the New York Times about some work done by Medicaid in 29 states, there are ways, after recovery from the health incident that put the person into a nursing home, for him or her to get back a home and regain some independence. Needed services can be hired and brought there.
