Practical writing for families choosing, checking and paying for long-term care — grounded in the same federal data as the rest of this site.
Choosing a home
Determining whether your parent needs a nursing home or assisted living involves understanding their care requirements. Nursing homes provide 24-hour licensed medical care, while assisted living facilities offer housing...
Aug 20, 2026 · 6 min read
Choosing a home
Moving a parent into a nursing home is a multifaceted challenge. Begin discussions long before an emergency arises. Preparing in advance helps safeguard your parent's needs, involves them in major decisions, and helps yo...
Aug 19, 2026 · 5 min read
Choosing a home
When considering the care options for a loved one with a terminal illness, it's crucial to understand that hospice and nursing home care are not alternatives. Instead, hospice is a type of care focusing on comfort, which...
Aug 12, 2026 · 6 min read
Choosing a home
When choosing a nursing home, visiting potential facilities is crucial. You should visit twice: once announced and once unannounced, ideally during a mealtime or a weekend evening. This will give you a comprehensive view...
Aug 3, 2026 · 5 min read
Choosing a home
When dementia is diagnosed, families often wonder whether memory care or a traditional nursing home is the better choice. The distinction is crucial and understanding each option is important for ensuring quality care. T...
Jul 29, 2026 · 6 min read
Choosing a home
Choosing between home health and nursing home care requires a clear understanding of your parent's care needs and the available services. Home health can be a good fit when the patient is homebound and needs intermittent...
Jul 23, 2026 · 6 min read
Choosing a home
Choosing a nursing home is complicated. Knowing the right questions to ask can ease the process. Here's a comprehensive list of 21 questions to ensure you're fully informed about potential nursing home care for your love...
Jul 22, 2026 · 6 min read
Choosing a home
Short-term rehabilitation in a skilled nursing facility plays a crucial role in recovery after a hospital stay. Medicare Part A covers these stays, but there's a lot to consider, from choosing the right facility to under...
Jul 19, 2026 · 5 min read
Choosing a home
Choosing a nursing home involves a logical, multi-step process. This guide helps you make an informed decision using location, payer compatibility, inspection record, staffing, ownership, and personal visits. Start by co...
Jul 14, 2026 · 6 min read
Choosing a home
Choosing a home health agency begins with an informed review of available options. Focus on the CMS quality-of-patient-care star ratings and patient survey results to gauge the quality and satisfaction levels of agencies...
Jul 12, 2026 · 5 min read
Choosing a home
The terms "skilled nursing facility" and "nursing home" are often used interchangeably, yet they signify different purposes and payment models in the world of long-term care. Understanding the difference can significantl...
Jul 10, 2026 · 6 min read