Skilled Nursing Facilities

A Guide for Families: the First Thirty Days

Source: American Health Care Association

Description:

Information for family members of long-term care facility residents; covers practical and emotional challenges.


Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Description:

Information from the U.S. Government about Medicare, Medicaid, hospice, preventive care and other healthcare programs and services


Consumer Information About Long-Term Care

Source: American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living

Description:

Resources from AHCA's LongTermLiving.com consumer website


Eldercare Locator

Source: U.S. Administration on Aging

Description:

The first step to finding resources for older adults in any U.S. community.


Factsheet: Care Conferences and the Care Team

Source: IlluminAge Communication Partners

Description:

Information about care conferences--when are they held? Who should attend? What is the role of resident and family?


Factsheet: Choosing a Long-Term Care Facility

Source: IlluminAge Communication Partners

Description:

What to look for, assessing your needs, paying for care; includes a selection checklist.


Factsheet: Helping Someone Move to a Long-Term Care Facility

Source: IlluminAge Communication Partners

Description:

How family and friends can help before, during and after the move. Includes suggestions to help the person continue to feel connected after the move.


Factsheet: Safeguarding Resident Property

Source: IlluminAge Communication Partners

Description:

Why resident belongings are so important; how items get lost; tips for keeping property safe.


Factsheet: The Nursing Home Decision

Source: IlluminAge Communication Partners

Description:

Discusses the decision-making process, including levels of care, payment options, and helping the person look at the move as a positive choice.


Factsheet: Visiting Someone in a Nursing Facility

Source: IlluminAge Communication Partners

Description:

Why visits are important; practical tips for a successful visit; dealing with difficult situations.


Factsheet: Your Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Source: IlluminAge Communication Partners

Description:

The role of the long-term care ombudsman; working together to solve problems; other resources.


Factsheet: Your Rights as a Long Term Care Resident

Source: IlluminAge Communication Partners

Description:

Covers basic resident rights, including dignity and respect, information and choice, privacy and confidentiality. Also examines resident responsibilities.


Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Description:

Online booklet from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; also includes information about residents' rights.


Helping You Choose Quality Long Term Care

Source: Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations

Description:

Questions to ask when selecting a nursing facility


Long Term Care Living

Source: American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living

Description:

Consumer information about deciding where to live, finding a nursing home or assisted living facility; advice for families.


Long-Term Care Resources

Source: AARP

Description:

Information from AARP about skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, home health and other senior living options


Making the Transition to Nursing Facility Life

Source: American Health Care Association

Description:

With love, understanding, help and planning, the uncertainty of entering and adjusting to life in a nursing facility can be greatly minimized.


Medicaid Resources

Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Description:

Information for consumers. Links to the agency that runs the Medicaid program in each state; state-by-state Medicaid Hotline numbers.


National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Description:

Site provides a wide range of information and options to help consumers plan for future long-term care needs


National Long Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center

Description:

Information for persons serving as advocates for residents' rights and quality care. Includes a searchable directory.


Next Step in Care

Source: United Hospital Fund

Description:

Website offers a range of guides and checklists for family caregivers and healthcare providers of persons with serious illness.


Nursing Facility Move-In Checklist

Source: IlluminAge Communication Partners

Description:

Three-part form to help you or your loved one make a smooth transition to living and receiving care in a nursing facility.


Nursing Home Care: Consumer Information

Source: American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging

Description:

Information for residents and family members about choosing and living in a long-term care facility.


Nursing Home Compare

Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Description:

Searchable information about the past performance of every Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home in the country.


Nursing Homes: Consumer Information

Source: American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging

Description:

Resources include selecting a long-term care facility; paying for services; family caregiving; serving as a long-term care volunteer.


Resident/Family Care Conference Worksheet

Source: IlluminAge Communication Partners

Description:

Form for organizing your notes before and during a nursing home care conference.


Worksheet for Evaluating a Nursing Facility

Source: IlluminAge Communication Partners

Description:

When choosing between long-term care facilities, use this checklist to compare the available choices.