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Finding a nursing home, step by step
Free guides and tools in the order most families need them.
Coming from a hospital?
Most nursing home stays start with a hospital discharge, often with only a day or two to decide.
Not sure a nursing home is right?
Check the level of care first: a nursing home, assisted living, memory care or help at home.
Find and compare homes
Every Medicare-certified home, with its ratings, inspections and staffing in plain English.
Plan how to pay
Medicare covers short rehab stays; Medicaid pays for most long-term care once savings run low.
Visit, decide and move in
Call the homes you like, visit at least two, and bring your questions.
Free one-on-one help from public programs
These government-funded services talk to families for free and don’t work for any nursing home.
- Your state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman helps with questions or concerns about care in any nursing home.
- Medicare counseling (SHIP): free, unbiased help with Medicare coverage, including rehab stays. Find your state’s SHIP.
- Eldercare Locator: connects you with your local Area Agency on Aging for services and support. Visit eldercare.acl.gov.
Care & Place doesn’t give medical, legal or financial advice. To ask a home about openings or costs, call it from its page.