Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions families ask most about sheltered housing and nursing homes in Israel.
What is the difference between sheltered housing and a nursing home?
Sheltered housing (dayur mugan) is intended for independent people who live in their own housing unit, under the supervision of the Ministry of Welfare. A nursing ward (mahlaka siudit) is intended for a person with a severe and lasting decline in mobility, in daily functioning and in health, and is licensed by the Ministry of Health. There are also homes for the frail (teshushim), licensed by the Ministry of Welfare, and wards for people with dementia (teshushei nefesh), licensed by the Ministry of Health. Details are in the guide on the difference between sheltered housing and a nursing home.
Where does the information on the site come from?
The information is collected from the registers of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Welfare and the Ministry of Construction and Housing. Next to many entries the source is shown, and for some also the date. Some detail may be out of date. The contact details of each institution appear on its own page.
What does "Ministry of Health code" mean?
A "code" is an approval of the State's participation in funding a place in a nursing ward. An institution with a Ministry of Health code allows partial or full public funding, subject to eligibility, as opposed to a private institution, where the cost is borne by the family.
How much does a place in a care home for the elderly in Israel cost?
The cost varies greatly by type of facility, region and level of care. Many institutions do not publish a price and state "on request"; it is important to ask the institution itself in advance about the price and about additional expenses such as medication, physiotherapy and personal needs.
What does the date next to the licence mean?
Next to the licence appears the date until which it is valid according to the Ministry of Health register, and in many cases also the date on which the register was checked. If the date has passed, the site does not show the licence as valid, says so on the institution's page and links to its page in the Ministry of Health register.
Does the site recommend a particular institution?
No. The site is an information board only: it presents information from government registers and lets you filter by facts (type of facility, city, care track). The site does not rate quality and is not responsible for the choice — the decision rests with the user.