Start with the responsible source

Compare care settings, home-based services, facility quality, staffing, payment sources, resident rights, and current availability. The resources below are starting points for verification, applications, complaints, provider searches, and local referrals.

Where to begin

  • Use Medicare Care Compare for nursing home, home health, and hospice information.
  • Use the Eldercare Locator to find Area Agencies on Aging and ombudsman programs.
  • Use Medicaid.gov and the state Medicaid agency for home- and community-based services.
  • Use the NPI Registry to verify provider identifiers, then confirm licensing with the state.

Official and established resources

Prepare before calling or applying

  • Write the exact question and desired outcome.
  • Have the relevant card, notice, bill, account number, dates, and ZIP code available—but do not send sensitive information to an unverified contact.
  • Ask whether the office serves the correct county, plan, provider type, or legal issue.
  • Ask what documents are required and whether an appointment is necessary.
  • Record the representative’s name, date, confirmation number, and next step.
  • Request an accessible format, interpreter, relay service, or reasonable accommodation when needed.

Verify the organization

Use the official web address or a phone number printed on an official notice. Commercial advertisements and lead-generation forms can appear above government results in search engines. Confirm the domain before entering personal information.

More pages

Within this subject: Updates and Official Changes, Decision Checklist, Common Mistakes and Warning Signs, State-by-State Differences.

Related subjects: Family Caregiver Support, Respite, and Training, Memory Loss, Dementia, Cognitive Health, and Safety, Advance Directives, Hospice, Funeral, and Estate Planning.

Last reviewed

Resource links and descriptions were reviewed on 2026-07-30. Program capacity, hours, and local availability still require direct confirmation.