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Where do we even begin?
If you only make one call today, make it to one of these. They're free, they know every program in your area, and most families never hear about them until someone else tells them.
Rules and phone numbers differ by state.Open your state's guide for the local version.
U.S. Administration for Community Living (run by USAging)
A free national helpline and website that connects you to local services for older adults, including your Area Agency on Aging, in-home help, meals, transportation, benefits help and caregiver support. You can call, text, chat online or email.
When to use it: Call first when you do not know who to call in your parent's town or state.
Mon-Fri 8am-9pm ET
USAging
Area Agencies on Aging are the local public or nonprofit offices (over 600 nationwide) that coordinate in-home help, meals, transportation, benefits counseling, respite and caregiver support. This USAging page explains what they do and how to reach yours through the Eldercare Locator.
When to use it: Use when you want a local, unbiased agency near your parent to explain options and connect you to services.
Mon-Fri 8am-9pm ET (Eldercare Locator)
U.S. Administration for Community Living
Every state has an Aging and Disability Resource Center or No Wrong Door system that gives one place to get unbiased information about long-term care options, including how to pay for them. ACL keeps a state-by-state list with toll-free numbers and websites.
When to use it: Use when you need someone local to walk through care options and Medicaid long-term care before choosing a facility.
Each state's phone number is different; find yours on the ACL state list.
Aging Life Care Association
A professional association of Aging Life Care Professionals (also called geriatric care managers) who assess an older adult's needs, coordinate care and advocate for the family. Its directory lets you search for a member near your parent.
When to use it: Use when you live far away or are overwhelmed and can afford to hire a professional to assess, plan and coordinate care.
Care managers charge private fees that Medicare does not cover; ask about hourly rates and conflicts of interest before hiring. The phone number is the association office, not a care manager.
National Council on Aging (NCOA)
A free, confidential online screener from NCOA. You enter a ZIP code and answer questions to get a personalized list of benefits your parent may qualify for, such as SNAP, Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help with drug costs.
When to use it: Use early on to find money and programs that can help pay for care and everyday needs.
United Way Worldwide and local 211 partners
Dial 2-1-1 to reach a free, confidential, 24/7 helpline that connects you to local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and crisis support. It covers about 99% of the U.S. and offers help in many languages.
When to use it: Use when you need local help fast and are not sure which agency handles it, day or night.
24/7
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Medicare's official tool to find and compare nursing homes, home health agencies, hospice providers, hospitals, doctors and other providers near your parent, with star ratings, inspection results and staffing data.
When to use it: Use before touring or choosing any Medicare-certified facility or agency.
Care Compare does not rate assisted living communities; those are licensed by your state.
24/7, except some federal holidays
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The federal agency that funds the Eldercare Locator, Area Agencies on Aging, Aging and Disability Resource Centers, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program and legal help for older adults. Its site explains these programs and links to state contacts.
When to use it: Use to understand which federal programs exist for older adults and find your state's contacts.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Medicare's four-step guide to choosing a nursing home: research options, compare quality (inspections, staffing and quality measures), visit with a checklist, and decide. It also reminds families they can move later if unhappy.
When to use it: Use when a hospital or doctor says your parent needs a nursing home and you must choose quickly.
24/7, except some federal holidays