Steps to Choosing Long-Term Care

Before you make a final decision about long-term care, call and ask for information about the program or facility. Visit the places you are interested in. These places can be assisted living communities, services in senior centers, housing programs, nursing homes, and other programs. Make an appointment to talk to the program coordinator or care supervisor before you visit. Here are some tips to help you get ready:

• Talk with your doctor or other health care provider and with your family about what long-term care services you need now or may need in the future.
• Go over any information you have already received.
• Write down any questions you still have about how the facility or program will meet your needs.

When you visit, look around carefully. Ask questions about anything you don’t understand. Talk to staff, residents, and family members if you can. Ask them if they are satisfied with the facility or program and its services.

After your visit, ask yourself the following questions:

For more information about the quality of nursing homes and home health agencies in your area, look at the Nursing Home Compare and Home Health Compare sections on this website.

Long-term care can be very expensive. Because Medicare generally doesn’t pay for long-term care, it is important to think ahead about how you will pay for the care you get. Look at Paying for Long-Term Care for more information.