Frequently Asked Questions

There are several types of elder care services including assisted living, nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities), in-home care, memory care for those with Alzheimer's or dementia, independent living communities, adult day care / senior centers, hospice care, and rehabilitation centers. The right choice depends on the level of care needed, budget, and personal preferences.

Start by assessing your loved one's daily needs. If they need help with activities like bathing, dressing, or medication management but are otherwise independent, assisted living may be ideal. If they need 24-hour medical supervision, a nursing home might be more appropriate. For those who want to stay at home, in-home care services can provide customized support. Our quiz can help you narrow down the best options.

Costs vary widely depending on the type of care and location. In the United States, assisted living averages $4,500–$5,500 per month, nursing homes can range from $7,000–$9,000+ per month, and in-home care typically costs $25–$35 per hour. Many families use a combination of private pay, long-term care insurance, Medicaid, and veterans' benefits to cover costs.

Medicare generally covers short-term skilled nursing care after a hospital stay but does not cover long-term custodial care. Medicaid may cover nursing home care and some home-based services for those who qualify financially. Eligibility and coverage vary by state. We recommend consulting with a financial advisor or elder law attorney for personalized guidance.

Key things to observe include: cleanliness and maintenance of the facility, staff-to-resident ratios, staff friendliness and attentiveness, quality and variety of meals, available activities and social programs, safety features, how current residents seem (happy, engaged), and licensing and inspection reports. Don't hesitate to visit multiple times, including unannounced.

Begin by assessing your loved one's current and anticipated needs. Research different types of care to understand your options. Use our directory to find providers in your area, read reviews, and compare services. Schedule tours of facilities you're interested in. Our free quiz can also help match you with the right type of care based on your specific situation.

Yes, long-distance caregiving is common. Our directory covers providers across all 50 US states and Canada. You can search by location to find options near your loved one. Many facilities also offer virtual tours and phone consultations to help you evaluate options from afar.

Assisted living provides help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, meals, medication) in a residential setting while maintaining residents' independence. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) offer 24-hour medical care and supervision by licensed nurses for residents with more complex health needs. Nursing homes are generally more clinical, while assisted living feels more like a home or apartment.

We maintain our listings with up-to-date licensing information, contact details, and service descriptions. Our directory is regularly updated to ensure accuracy. We encourage families to also verify licensing directly with their state's health department and to read reviews from other families.

Yes. We take your privacy seriously and never share your personal information with third parties without your consent. Any information you provide through our forms is used solely to help connect you with appropriate care options. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

If you operate an elder care facility and would like to be listed in our directory, please complete our contact form or reach out to us at [email protected]. We offer free basic listings as well as enhanced listing options with additional visibility features.

If you're facing an immediate medical emergency, please call 911. For urgent but non-emergency care placement needs, our team can help expedite the process. Complete our quiz or email [email protected] with "Urgent" in the subject line and we'll prioritize your request.