Selecting a long-term care facility for your family member can be as difficult as accepting that it is needed. There’s a lot to consider, including: location, quality of care, medical and rehab services, finances and insurance. Take time to learn about your options and get comfortable with your choice. Ask family members, friends, and other health care professionals what they suggest. You can also contact groups that know a lot about long-term care. They include:

• Area Agency on Aging (AAA). These local agencies are part of the US Administration on Aging. They can provide information about local nursing homes and other long-term care options. To find your local agency, go to the AAA website at http://www.n4a.org/about-n4a/?fa=aaa-title-VI.
• National Long Term Ombudsman Resource Center. An ombudsman is an advocate for residents’ rights and quality of life. Ombudsmen can provide information about how to find a long-term care setting and how to get quality care. You can locate your state’s local ombudsman and learn more at http://www.ltcombudsman.org or call 202-332-2275
• Leading Age (formerly American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. This group offers tips about finding nursing homes and other community-based services. To learn more, go to www.leadingage.org or call 202-783-2242.
• The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care. This group offers a guide about choosing a nursing home. You can access its guide by going to https://theconsumervoice.org/sites/default/files/advocate/AConsumer-Guide-To-Choosing-A-Nursing-Home.pdf. To learn more and find other fact sheets, go to their website at www.theconsumervoice.org or call 202-332-2276.
• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This federal agency sponsors a website with detailed information about the quality of services at all Medicare- and Medicaid certified nursing homes in the U.S. To learn more, go to www.medicare.gov/quality-care-finder/#nursing-homecompare.