Nursing home rights
People in certified facilities have rights: dignity, medical information, visitors, and the right to complain without punishment. Use official tools before you sign.
Compare on Medicare
Care Compare shows staffing and quality measures for certified nursing homes.
Medicare Care CompareLong-Term Care Ombudsman
A free advocate for residents in nursing homes and many assisted living homes. They take complaints and explain rights.
Find yours through Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116
Visit in person
Go at mealtime. Smell and sound matter. Ask about weekend staffing. Talk to residents, not only the marketing office.
What Medicare pays
Original Medicare may cover short skilled stays after a qualifying hospital stay. Day-to-day custodial care is usually Medicaid, private pay, or long-term care insurance — not standard Medicare.
Medicare nursing home pageBorrow equipment first
Before buying a wheelchair or shower chair, look for loan closets.
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