Practical writing for families choosing, checking and paying for long-term care — grounded in the same federal data as the rest of this site.
Ownership & industry
Choosing a nursing home can be stressful, especially if you discover the facility you're considering is on a watchlist. The Special Focus Facility (SFF) programme singles out nursing homes with a history of persistent an...
Aug 6, 2026 · 6 min read
Ownership & industry
When a nursing home closes, it can be due to voluntary business decisions or the termination of Medicare and Medicaid agreements following repeated failures to meet necessary requirements. Regardless of the reason, resid...
Aug 5, 2026 · 6 min read
Ownership & industry
Nursing home staffing ratios are a critical number when comparing facilities. They are expressed as hours per resident per day, reflecting the total nursing hours available each day divided by the number of residents. Un...
Aug 5, 2026 · 5 min read
Ownership & industry
Reading nursing home inspection reports might seem daunting, especially if you're unfamiliar with the system of citations and categories used. However, understanding these reports is essential when choosing care for a lo...
Aug 4, 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
Paying for care
When a spouse requires long-term care in a nursing home, Medicaid can cover the costs. However, the spouse who remains at home needs financial protection too. This is where the spousal impoverishment rules come in. These...
Jul 31, 2026 · 6 min read
Paying for care
Medicare does not cover long-term nursing home care. It funds skilled nursing care, but this only applies for a limited period after a hospital stay. If your parent needs help with daily activities, care costs are your r...
Jul 31, 2026 · 6 min read
Safety & rights
Navigating the world of nursing home care can be daunting, especially when it comes to understanding the use of antipsychotic drugs. Antipsychotics can often serve as a double-edged sword; while intended to treat specifi...
Jul 29, 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
Paying for care
When it comes to finding nursing home care for veterans, understanding the Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits is vital. Many families overlook these unique benefits, which can provide much-needed support. VA long-term care o...
Jul 24, 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
Ownership & industry
When considering a nursing home for a loved one, the name on the building might not be as crucial as you think. A substantial number of American nursing homes belong to chains, and the decisions impacting care often orig...
Jul 22, 2026 · 5 min read