Assisted Living vs. Nursing Homes: What’s the Difference?

         Assisted living facilities and nursing homes are long-term housing and care options for older adults. Although people sometimes use the terms assisted living and nursing home synonymously, they are distinct. Understanding the differences between assisted living and nursing homes is critical for those considering where to live as they age. This is because assisted […]

Older Adults Lack Information in Search for Long-Term Care

        According to a recent national study, nearly a quarter of Americans aged 50 and older say they – or a loved one – needed long-term care in 2022. The findings further suggest that seniors and their caregivers could benefit from more consumer-friendly information and guidance about long-term care services, a need researchers say will grow exponentially […]

Plan Ahead Before Seeking Nursing Home Care: Avoid Unnecessary Debt for You and Your Family

          Many senior citizens may need the services of a nursing home or at-home care at some point in their life. You might assume that government assistance or health insurance will step in and cover the cost if you cannot afford these services. Unfortunately, neither health insurance nor Medicare covers long-term care. Because obtaining long-term […]

How Do You Decide When to Leave a Nursing Home and Move Back Home?

Leaving a nursing home to return home is a goal for many residents and their families, but it requires careful consideration. While returning home is a good move for some, it won’t work for everyone. A nursing home stay does not have to be permanent. Many residents enter a facility temporarily to recover from an […]

Biden Proposes Major Nursing Home Reforms, Most Extensive “In Decades”

The Biden administration has announced far-reaching nursing home reforms, targeting staffing and accountability at facilities with deficient care. Advocates are calling the proposals, which include the first-ever federal minimum staffing levels, the most significant reforms in decades.  Nursing homes have been plagued by chronic understaffing and high turnover rates for years, a problem only exacerbated […]

You Can Now Compare Nursing Homes on Staff Turnover Rates and Weekend Help

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it will add data on staff turnover rates and weekend staffing levels to its Care Compare website, giving consumers another tool when choosing a nursing home.  The official Medicare website includes a nursing home rating system. Care Compare (previously called Nursing Home Compare) offers up to five-star ratings of […]

Who Should Purchase Long-Term Care Insurance?

Buying long-term care insurance is one way to protect against the high cost of long-term care. However, this type of insurance may not be for everyone, so consider all your options. Long-term care – care in a nursing home or at home — may be paid for in four main ways:  Determining whether you need […]