Search Frequently Asked Questions

Return to non-screen reader version

Skip to Global Site Links
Long-Term Care Home    |    Steps to Choosing Long-Term Care    |    Types of Long-Term Care    |    Paying For Long-Term Care


Steps to Choosing Long-Term Care

  Steps to Choosing Long-Term Care Resources  
  Overview | Step 1: Think | Step 2: Learn | Step 3: Find out about choices 
 | Step 4: Find out about quality | Selected Section Step 5: Visit 

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:

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:

Did they listen to me and make me feel comfortable?
Yes
No
Did I get to ask all my questions?
Yes
No
Did they give me answers I understood?
Yes
No
Are the program staffs respectful and helpful?
Yes
No
Does the facility or program meet my needs?
Yes
No
Does the facility offer activity programs that I enjoy?
Yes
No
Is the facility/setting clean and pleasant?
Yes
No
What are the facility/program fees?________
Can I afford them?
Yes
No

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.

Link to top of pageTop of page

 

    Home  |  Return to non-screen reader version  |   Español  |   Link to Chinese Section  
The Official U.S. Government Site for People with Medicare
Help  |     |   Mailing List Mailing List   |   Questions  

Questions

Medicare Billing 

Medicare Appeals 

Long Term Care 

Plan Choices 

Stay Healthy 

Medicaid Enrollment

Provider Information

Glossary

Privacy Practices

Search Tools 

MMA 2003

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Link to Department of Health and Human Services Website Department of Health and Human Services

221